Hotels

Hotels were important venues providing space for black artist. Two of the featured hotels in this exhibit are the Hotel Alexander and Hotel Charlotte.    Hotel Alexander was the first black hotel in Charlotte.  Part of the historic First Ward community, Hotel Alexander was located in downtown Charlotte on the corner Mc Dowell and Ninth Street.  According to the author Diamond Ely of the Black American Series: Charlotte, NC, Hotel Alexander was considered the largest black hotel between Atlanta and Washington. Another important hotel which acted as a musical venue for blacks was the Hotel Charlotte.  Hotel Charlotte was a luxurious 12 story hotel that open in 1924.  Besides hosting big bands in its large ball rooms,  Hotel Charlotte became a major hub for the recording of music. Creating a music studio own by RCA on the 10^{th floor}  Hotel Charlotte  became a prime recording center for country, blues and gospel music. As a recording studio Hotel Charlotte was an important venue for black gospel groups. Black gospel groups such as the Heavenly Gospel Singers and Golden Gate Quartet were well known groups which recorded songs at the Hotel Charlotte.