Club Matinee At 3300 Lyons Ave.

[TheGlen]

My magazine has decided to start a Lost Houston History column, one of the topics I was given was Louis Dickerson, owner of Club Matinee, the Crystal Hotel, Checkered Cab (name unverified), and two of the largest underground casinos in Houston.  I'm looking for any information on Club Matinee and Dickerson himself (Texas Monthly had his name as Dixon).  Matinee was apparently one of the greatest blues clubs ever, rivalling the legendary Cotton Club.  Dickerson according to some was the man that ran the 5th Ward, even having the police chief on his payroll according to some cops.  I can't find anything hard or fast, being Houston kind of expect that, so I'm searching around.  Are there any pictures of Club Matinee's famous Anchor Room, I've got a huge list of top names in blues that performed but no further information.  Also looking to see if he was the godfather of the fifth ward or was that fanciful elaboration from witnesses.  His death and the downspiral of the 5th Ward seem to be linked, but that could just be coincidence as well.

[msteele6]

I know nothing about Club Matinee, however, I was surfing the net today and came across an article in Wikipedia about Little Richard. As I was reading I came across a reference to Little Richard playing at Club Matinee in Houston. It reminded me of this thread and I just thought I would mention it. There were two references given and they might be something you might want to consult.

[TheGlen]

From what I've discovered so far, Club Matinee was THE place for blues in the south.  I've found mentions of him in biographies for Cab Calloway, James Brown, Ray Charles, pretty much everyone that was any one.  Texas Room had very little on him except mentions in social pages.  The African studies library had two lines in their file on the club, they actually copied MY notes to add to theirs.  The Blues museum is being built right where the club stood, but it's not open yet. 

 

Talked to some gentlemen around the area and they gave me a bit of history on the place.  One of them found a friend that worked for Dickerson back in the 60's and 70's.  If what the man said was true, he was quite the powerhouse in local politics.  Dickerson, along with a gentleman named David Robey controlled the Fifth ward for decades.  Dickerson owned the Crystal White cab company (this is confirmed), the El Dorado night club, and half the businesses.  Robey ran Peacock records rather ruthlessly according to sources.  One source even mentioned how he laundered his money from the casinos, but I have no way of verifying that.

[msteele6]

I was listening to NPR the other day and they were interviewing a man named Grady Gaines. He mentioned playing the Club Matinee with Little Richard. It might behoove you to attempt to interview him as he might have further information on the club. The interview date was 11/3/15, I think it was on the program named "Texas Time" at approximately 1:00.

 

[mkultra25]

Assuming this is the column that resulted from the original inquiry posted above. Nice work, enjoyed reading it and will be keeping an eye out for further articles in the future. 

 

http://redpub.com/images_articles_2015/culture_louisdickerson.php

[Colleen]

I remember Club Matinee even though I was too young at the time to attend any functions there. I use to  it across it’s property enroute to my school, E.O.Smith Jr. High. I do remember Bobby Blue Bland’s name appearing on the marquee… he entertained there a lot. 

[RJ Moments]

RJ Rausaw was the promoter of these concerts "The Man and his Famous Musicians".  His office was in 5th Ward.  The Golden Crest.

[MichelleCH]

I may be able to give you some insight regarding The Club Matinee.  My grandmother was Madeline Wysingle (aka Ms. Wy or Boss Lady), and she worked with Louis Dickerson at The Club Matinee for years.  I hung out at the club as a child (in my grandmother's office), and my mother worked there, as well. I may have some photos.  I can check.