Flame Show Bar
The Flame Show Bar, operating from 1949, was a significant Detroit nightclub that hosted many of the most prominent jazz and R&B performers of its era, and played a role in the early development of the city’s burgeoning music scene[1]. Located just outside of the historic Paradise Valley neighborhood, the club became known for its integrated atmosphere and its owner’s commitment to showcasing Black musical talent. The Flame Show Bar’s influence extended beyond entertainment, contributing to the cultural and economic life of Detroit’s Black community and providing a platform for future music industry leaders.
History
Morris Wasserman opened the Flame Show Bar in June of 1949 at 4264 John R. Street, near Canfield Avenue[2]. Wasserman was already a veteran of the Detroit nightclub scene, having previously owned Club Harlem in the 1930s[3]. He secured permits for the building in January 1948, initially planning a biergarten and storefronts, but revised the plans to include a “public establishment” that would become the Flame[4]. The initial investment in the development was approximately $75,000, which equates to roughly $1 million in 2025 when adjusted for inflation.
Wasserman’s previous venture, Club Harlem, operated for only a year, but demonstrated his willingness to challenge racial norms by creating an integrated space during a time of widespread segregation[5]. The Flame Show Bar continued this tradition, becoming known as a “black and tan” club, welcoming both Black and white patrons. This was particularly significant given the context of the era, even within the Midwest, where segregation remained prevalent. Wasserman, the son of a wealthy Detroit developer, Julius Wasserman, had developed an appreciation for Black music through his ownership of Wasserman’s Loans, a pawnshop located in Detroit’s Black Bottom neighborhood[6].
Geography
The Flame Show Bar was strategically located in the Sugar Hill neighborhood, on the southeast corner of John R. and East Canfield streets[7]. This location was just outside of Paradise Valley, a vibrant and thriving Black neighborhood known for its numerous clubs and Black-owned businesses. John R. Street, often referred to as “the Street of Music” by the Black press, became a central hub for entertainment in the city, and the Flame Show Bar quickly established itself as among the most prominent venues along this corridor. The proximity to Paradise Valley ensured a steady stream of patrons and contributed to the club’s lively atmosphere.
The Sugar Hill neighborhood itself was a significant area within Detroit’s Black community, offering a degree of economic and social independence. The Flame Show Bar’s location within Sugar Hill allowed it to benefit from the neighborhood’s existing infrastructure and cultural vibrancy. The club’s presence further enhanced the area’s reputation as a destination for entertainment and nightlife. The building itself featured a 100-foot bar and could accommodate 250 patrons[8], making it a substantial venue capable of hosting large crowds and prominent performers.
Culture
The Flame Show Bar was renowned for its sophisticated musical offerings, featuring a “sharp band” and a rotating lineup of talented singers[9]. The club hosted a diverse range of jazz and R&B artists, including iconic figures such as Billie Holiday, Sam Cooke, Nina Simone, Ray Charles, Etta James, T-Bone Walker, Dinah Washington, B.B. King, Alberta Adams, and Muddy Waters[10]. Performances typically consisted of one-hour floor shows presented three or four times each night. The club’s commitment to showcasing high-quality musical talent contributed to its reputation as a premier entertainment destination.
Beyond its musical programming, the Flame Show Bar played a crucial role in the development of the Detroit music scene. It provided a platform for emerging artists, including Detroit saxophonist Beans Bowles, and helped launch the careers of Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famers Jackie Wilson and LaVern Baker[11]. The club also served as an important meeting place for individuals involved in the early stages of the Motown Records empire, helping to lay the groundwork for the label’s future success. The integrated nature of the club, unusual for the time, fostered a unique cultural exchange and challenged prevailing social norms.
Notable Residents
While the Flame Show Bar did not have permanent “residents” in the traditional sense, it regularly hosted a constellation of notable performers who graced its stage. Billie Holiday’s appearances at the club were particularly memorable, cementing the Flame’s reputation as a venue for world-class talent[12]. Sam Cooke and Nina Simone also captivated audiences with their performances, further solidifying the club’s status as a premier destination for R&B and jazz enthusiasts.
Morris Wasserman, the owner, was a key figure associated with the Flame Show Bar. His previous experience with Club Harlem and his willingness to integrate his establishments made him a notable figure in Detroit’s entertainment history. Wasserman’s business acumen and his appreciation for Black music were instrumental in the club’s success. The club also provided a launching pad for local Detroit talent, such as Beans Bowles, who gained recognition through his performances there[13]. The presence of these individuals, both performers and the owner, contributed to the Flame Show Bar’s lasting legacy.