Published by: Lamont Jack Pearley
What does Dolomite, Lawanda Page, Scatman Crothers, Sam Cooke Pee Wee Crayton, T- Bone Walker, Johnny Lee Hooker, Bill Brown, Clyde McPhatter, Charlie White, and King Records have in common with Central Avenue? The answer is, John Dolphin and his owner-operated open 24/7 record shop rightfully named “Dolphin’s of Hollywood.” Bringing Hollywood to Central Avenue, John Dolphin cut records in the back of his store, then broke the record on his radio station that broadcasted in the front window of his store. John’s efforts platformed black music and artists who wouldn’t have had a chance to be heard on a large level. It also broke the color barriers as his record store had Black, White and Chicano patrons who partied together in and around the record store.
Jamelle Dolphin – right
On this episode, I speak with Michael Dolphin, John Dolphin’s son, and Jamelle Dolphin, John Dolphin’s grandson and author of the book “Dolphin’s of Hollywood” about the legacy and impact John Dolphin created and had on the music, record, radio and Black Business industry.
You can also read my article, “Charting The Blues” which is a 9-page feature in Living Blues Magazine, that discusses how John changed the trajectory of the radio industry and pop charts.
WE ARE PUBLIC MEDIA – for donations to help us continue to produce content – paypal.me/LamontJackIf you wish to sponsor content or underwriting for The African American Folklorist, contact lamontjackpearley@jackdappabluesradio.tv
