Today's episode is about the most infamous street in New Orleans.
I originally planned this show as an April Fools' edition, since the podcast is called Beyond Bourbon Street. As I started my research, however, I quickly came to the realization there wasn't much written about the actual street.
I was about to shelve the idea when I realized local author, historian, and geographer Richard Campanella found the same lack of information and was inspired to write a book called Bourbon Street: A History.
Join me as I talk with Richard about (arguably) the most important street in New Orleans. We discuss its transformation from just another street to its present day status as one of the most infamous streets in the world. Along the way, you'll learn about entrepreneurship, the creation of New Orleans as a tourist destination, and more.
We also discuss the invention of the go-cup and how present day Bourbon Street can be explained through the Huge Ass Beers available for purchase along this fifteen block stretch of excess!
You'll learn about the architecture, the people, and the importance of Bourbon Street post-Katrina.
All this and more in today's episode of Beyond Bourbon Street!
You can find Richard on line at richcampanella.com. You'll find excerpts from all of his books, as well as a wonderful collection of images of New Orleans.
Richard’s books are available at local New Orleans booksellers, including Octavia Books, Garden District Book Shop and Maple Street Book Shop. You can also find Bourbon Street: A History on Amazon.
Links and show notes for today's episode can be found at http://beyondbourbonst.com/36
Thank you to Richard for sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm. This was an entertaining and educational discussion, and I hope the first of many!
A special thanks to you for allowing me into your ears every other week. I truly enjoy sharing this city we both love!
If you enjoy the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play Music or wherever you get your podcasts.
If you do enjoy listening, please share Beyond Bourbon Street with someone who shares our love of New Orleans.
Got an idea for an episode, have some feedback or just want to say hi?
Leave us a message at 504-475-7632 or send an email to mark@beyondbourbonst.com
Thanks for listening!
Mark
In 1897, New Orleans leaders created Storyville, the infamous red light district of New Orleans. For the next twenty years, Storyville was the legal center of prostitution in the Crescent City.
Storyville was the workplace of madams and prostitutes. Patrons might spend an evening at Lulu White's Mahogany Hall or at Josie Arlington's place. Here, they encountered lavish furnishings, live music, ample amounts of alcohol, and sex for a price.
In addition to the sex trade, Storyville was a hotbed of music and musicians. Patrons wandering down Basin Street would come across Jelly Roll Morton, Manuel "Fess" Manetta, Tony Jackson, and maybe even a young Louis Armstrong. These musicians were expected to play everything from opera to ragtime. While jazz wasn't likely invented in Storyville, the collaboration and improvisation of these talented musicians helped shape and influence the music we know today.
I welcomed three guests to the podcast this week, including a return visit by Pamela Arceneaux, author, senior librarian, and rare books curator at the Historic New Orleans Collection. Pamela's book, called the Guidebooks to Sin: the Blue Books of Storyville, was featured in episode #34.
In addition to Pamela, HNOC curators John Lawrence and Eric Seiferth joined us for a lively discussion. Together, the three of them help bring Storyville to life for us. We learn about the madams and the musicians, as well as the music itself.
Insider Knowledge: Did you know opera was as likely to be heard as ragtime? I didn't!
Along the way, we discuss the divide between establishments targeted towards the wealthy (white) clients, and black Storyville, home of simple cribs. We also explore the new HNOC exhibit Storyville: Madams and Music, and talk about the photos of Earnest Bellocq and the movie Pretty Baby, featuring a very young Brooke Shields.
All this and more in this episode of Beyond Bourbon Street!
You can find Pamela’s book at local booksellers, including Octavia Books, Garden District Book Shop and Maple Street Book Shop, as well as at The Historic New Orleans Collection. You can also find Guidebooks to Sin on Amazon.
Explore the Historic New Orleans Collection online and in person. They are located at 533 Royal Street, in the heart of the French Quarter.
Links and show notes for today's episode can be found at http://beyondbourbonst.com/35
Thanks to Pamela Arceneaux, John Lawrence and Eric Seiferth for joining me today. Together, they helped paint a picture of New Orleans and Storyville during the late 1800s and into the 20th century.
Eli Haddow at the Historic New Orleans Collection made our discussion possible.
Kate McCreary hepled with the research into Storyville.
Finally, thanks to you for allowing me into your ears every other week. I truly enjoy sharing this city we both love!
If you enjoy the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play Music or wherever you get your podcasts. Search Beyond Bourbon Street.
If you do enjoy listening, please share Beyond Bourbon Street with someone who shares our love of New Orleans.
Got an idea for an episode, have some feedback or just want to say hi?
Leave us a message at 504-475-7632 or send an email to mark@beyondbourbonst.com
Thanks for listening!
Mark