Interview with Clarence D. Madison, November 5, 1982

Interview Summary

Born in Anderson, Indiana, Mr. Madison came to Lexington in 1959. He reminisces about his entertainment career, especially in the night clubs on Deweese Street. He recalls that Deweese Street was known as "Negro Alley" and "Do As You Please" Street during the 1940's and the 1950's, and mentions other night life available for African American citizens during this time period. Mr. Madison discusses race relations in Lexington's music business in the 1940's and 1950's, Local 635 of the African American Musicians Union, and employment opportunities for African Americans at this time. Of particular interest to Mr. Madison was the influence of the Muslim religion upon Lexington between 1940 and 1950, and the existence of African American bands. Mr. Madison compares living conditions and standards in Lexington in 1940 with those of 1980, and remarks upon the effects of segregation in African American businesses.

Interview Keyword

African Americans African Americans in Lexington C. D. Madison Lexington, Kentucky Race relations

Interview LC Subject

African American families African Americans--Civil rights--Kentucky African Americans--Education--Kentucky--Lexington African Americans--Kentucky--Lexington--Economic conditions African Americans--Race identity. African Americans--Religion African Americans. Madison, Clarence D. Madison, Clarence D.--Interviews

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.