It opened in 1935 and was one of the major clubs on the street, hosting leading jazz musicians until 1950, through changes of location and periods of closure.

[1] Among its initial backers were the radio bandleader Lennie Hayton, who helped promote it, and musicians Jimmy Dorsey and Glenn Miller.

[1] In its first year, musicians such as Bunny Berigan, Georg Brunis, Bobby Hackett, Billie Holiday, Max Kaminsky, Wingy Manone, and Red Norvo helped establish its reputation.

[1] Broadcasts by Count Basie's big band from the club several nights a week in part of 1938 helped develop his career.

[4] This was facilitated by a representative of the MCA booking agency, which paid for the club to make alterations, including the installation of air conditioning.