Memphis had its Beale Street, Chicago had Maxwell Street…… and Detroit had it’s Hastings Street. Nice article written by the daughter of legendary record man Joe Von Battle, who operated a store front there for many years, recording blues in the back, and selling 45s and 78s in the front. On weekends, he also recorded sermons preached by the equally legendary Rev. C.L. Franklin (some of which were later re-released on the Chess label). Unfortunately, as we head off into the future of the 21st Century, producers and independent record men like Joe will, sadly and unfortunately, be forever a thing of the past…..
I really enjoyed this article. Hope the book comes out soon.
