Chitlin' Circuit | Kentucky Life | KET

Kentucky Life's feature on the Chitlin' Circuit was nominated by the Ohio Valley Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for a Regional Emmy Award.
In the days of segregation, black singers and musicians made a living touring the juke joints on what was known as the chitlin' circuit. The circuit-named for the popular soul-food delicacy-included cities large and small across the North and South. Among them was the Christian County town of Hopkinsville.
Hopkinsville's proximity to Fort Campbell, home to thousands of soldiers eager for off base entertainment, made it an ideal stop on the circuit. Lighting up the stage in Hopkinsville were big-name performers like Cab Calloway, Count Basey, Chubby Checker, Little Richard, B.B. King, Ike and Tina Turner, Ray Charles, and James Brown.
This segment features long-time Hopkinsville residents sharing their memories of the chitlin' circuit and the music pioneers who got their start there.
There were 751 total Ohio Valley Regional Emmy Award entries this year, a record number, and only 291 received nominations. Nineteen KET productions and programs were nominated for an Emmy Award. This segment was produced by Paul Smith.
To see other KET nominated features, visit blogs.ket.org/spotlight/?p=10884

[@malcolmwoodard8141]

Hopppptowwwwwnnnn!!! Born, reared.. family still here and I moved back. I remember the clubs all over the city...4th, 5th and 6th and Virginia was the popping spots. SOOOOOOO many memories..

[@Finishme]

I was raised here and never knew that they were here. I remember as a child growing up in d.a there was a club 15 steps from my house named the Mother Goose and also one named Dudes, I would actually sneak and listen and watch. So many memories

[@missfreda7374]

My grandparents lived in that area in the early 80's.

[@Goaskval]

Loving this rich musical 🎶 history!!!! Thanks for posting. 🎉❤❤

[@Eglass1031]

Proud to be from Hopkinsville !!!!!

[@verdisw]

Im proud to be a part of this and growing up in Hopkinsville

[@missfreda7374]

Hey Verdis, I haven't seen you in years. Hoptown was a great place when I was growing up.

[@chrismacks3640]

I'm proud of Kentucky Louisville is my city though

[@biblicallyspeaking2023]

I'm so entertained....on the history! I'm from Hoptown...My people from the hill!

[@ProducedbyEricka]

Although I was raised elsewhere, I was born in "Hop Town". Unfortunately, I know very little of its history and heritage other than the few summers and holidays spent with relatives as a child. So thank you for this great segment and congratulations on your Emmy nomination!

[@michaelmitchell5098]

Chitlin circuit? The Regal, The Royale, Leo’s Casino, the 5/4 ballroom, the skyline ballroom, the Apollo, the Howard, North Atlantic Beach, the Fox, Smalls Paradise, Chappees Lounge…. It goes on and on. All gone.

[@yvettekendrick4347]

Hopkinsville stand up....

[@13realmusic]

This is so cool

[@kejola1969]

Matt Snorton was a really good dude. RIP Mr.Snorton.

[@vivianthomas100]

Interesting history of Music.-IJN-VCT

[@reesenva]

Born in Hoptown. Grandparents lived on Wood Street. I remember walking to the Dollar General Store then getting a Ferrell burger.

[@missfreda7374]

You look familiar to me. Are you related to Artez?

[@verdisw]

Shannon were related,I remember when you was born...on Gainesville hill...Dade ln

[@verdisw]

@@missfreda7374 . Who's this?? I loved the hoptown I grew up in

[@verdisw]

@@missfreda7374 ..Roxanne? Roxanne??? Lol

[@verdisw]

Howard and Maude

[@TheAntiqueNomad]

This was really interesting! So many great musicians. Segregation was awful but it brought Hoptown this opportunity for great music, good story

[@jordanforthewin1111]

❤

[@jamisejackson]

my blood! Sam Adams Jr is my grandfather.

[@leonnorman1825]

Would have been nice if they actually mentioned the names of some of the clubs from that era. Why talk about the clubs and not mention a name?

[@johnniecooper2861]

My Home Town..................College Street in the( DA )

[@missfreda7374]

Home sweet home....Rozelle Avenue

[@tomlehr861]

Henderson is my town

[@blackrebelradio9879]

Hard rolled stone.

[@davidmac3837]

So we should of not integrated 🥴🥴🥴