Introducing: Charlie’s Place
Charlie Fitzgerald was a notorious and defiant entrepreneur who owned an integrated nightclub in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina during the Jim Crow era. He bravely broke down racial barriers by hosting legendary musicians like Little Richard and Duke Ellington, allowing Black and white patrons to dance together. This unprecedented integration at Charlie's Place defied the strict segregation prevalent elsewhere. The club's popularity was driven by the infectious rhythm of Black music, which captivated white audiences and began to transform the community. Fitzgerald also built a business empire, including a hotel and a cab company, even loaning money to white individuals to further his influence. His success and defiance, however, made him a target. Before becoming Charlie Fitzgerald, he was known as Lucious Rucker, a man shrouded in mystery. A pivotal and violent incident on August 26th, 1950, profoundly altered Myrtle Beach, impacting Charlie and the wider Southern region. This event is remembered as a dark stain on local history. The story of Charlie's Place is detailed in a podcast series.
