Soul Cities Hits Chicago: Tuesday Night!
VH1 Soul’s latest show is getting lots of buzz because it’s so much fun to follow host Nelson George as he moves through America, celebrating the specifics of the African-American culture. There’s lots of black history in each metropolis he visits; seems like every time he plants his flag in a new spot, there’s some learning going on.
This week George and team hit Chicago. He clues us in on the town’s Haitian founder, the migration of Southern blacks during the mid-20th century, and drops us off at the Negro Leagues Cafe in the Bronzville neighborhood. The restaurant celebrates the historic achievements of black baseball while serving up collard greens and mac ‘n’ cheese. George also roams from Hyde Park (Barack Obama’s turf) to Michigan Avenue (and its Chicago Defender offices, founded by John H. Sengstacke). Other interviews include singer LaLah Hathaway, who says she’s rather sun bathe on the shores of Lake Michigan than the Pacific Ocean. He also samples soul food at Army & Lou’s, and tries to make a deep dish pizza. House music, blues, Chi-town stepping, and Nelson’s tribute to Curtis Mayfield all make this episode a must-see.
Check Soul Cities every Tuesday at 9 pm ET on VH1 Soul.
Watch our play list of artists who hail from the Windy City.
Check Nelson George’s Facebook page for photos from the Chicago episode.
After the jump is a full list of all the spots visited in Chicago.
HISTORIC SITES TO VISIT:
Train station, Bronzeville section
16 E 35th St Chicago, IL 60616
The Defender Newspaper (John H.H. Sengstake Street)
2400 S Michigan Ave Chicago, IL
Negro League Café
301 E 43rd St Chicago, IL
Harpo Productions (Kenwood neighborhood [home to Muhammad Ali, Barack Obama])
1058 W Washington Blvd Chicago, IL
Barack Obama’s home
5046 S. Greenwood Ave Chicago,IL 60615
Affina Hotel
166 E Superior St Chicago, IL
LOCAL FLAVORS:
Army & Lou’s Restaurant
422 E 75th St Chicago, IL 60619
Giordano’s Pizzeria
730 N Rush St Chicago, IL 60611
Regal Theater
1645 E 79th St Chicago, IL
MUSIC OF THE CITY:
Keith Hubbard’s Steppin’ Studio
4434 S Lake Park Ave Chicago, IL 60653
V103 Radio Station
233 N Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60601
Sonotheque nightclub
1444 W Chicago Ave Chicago, IL 60622
Mr. Peabody’s Record Shop
11832 S Western Ave Chicago, IL 60643
November 22nd, 2008 at 10:58 am
thank you mr. nelson for telling our story - serving it up right - along with some serious side dishes - much success
November 23rd, 2008 at 10:09 pm
LOVE THIS NEW SERIES! HOWEVER 30 mins. is definitely not enough to cover a cities and all its influences on soul music. VH1, extend to an hour at the very least!
December 30th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
what was that song they were playing when they were teaching nelson how to step?
December 30th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
what was the song they were playing when they were teaching nelson how to step?
January 4th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Thank you Nelson for giving Chi Town it’s well derserved and over do props. Although I’ve been a fan of the music from Motown and Philly since their early beginings, Windy City Soul has never gotten the recognition it truly deserves. Thanks again.
March 15th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
does anybody know what the name of the song is that is playing while they were stepping?
March 21st, 2009 at 3:51 pm
They’re stepping to K’Jon - On the Ocean. I believe its on the *Ballroom Xcplosion* album!!!
GREAT SHOW
July 15th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
does anybody know what the name of the song is that is playing while they were stepping