Hey, friend! Welcome back to another post. Today, I want to show you some historic markers and buildings in the Deep Deuce District in Oklahoma City. If you’re familiar with Oklahoma City, the Deep Deuce District in just north of Bricktown. Let’s go look around!
History of Deep Deuce
The Deep Deuce District has roots dating back to the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. This was the business and cultural district of the African American community. There were newspapers, clothing shops, barbershops, doctor’s offices, and more. In the evenings, the nightclubs, restaurants, and dance halls were home to famous musicians and singers.
The area came to be known by a few different names, “Deep Deuce,” “Deep Two,” and “Deep Second.”
The jazz music scene was vibrant in Deep Deuce. Legends of jazz and blues grew their talent and launched their careers here including Jimmy Rushing and Charlie Christian. Jimmy Rushing was a singer and pianist who played with the jazz band, Oklahoma City Blue Devils, in the 1920s. From 1935-1948, Rushing was a featured vocalist for Count Basie’s orchestra. Charlie Christian was deeply involved in jazz and swing. Christian’s electric jazz guitar skills have arguably made him a legend…