Discover the Historic Storyville Corner Store: A Musical Pioneer’s Stage in New Orleans

There’s a rich and complex story behind a building at the corner of Bienville and Crozat streets. Once a convenience store, it has been empty since 2023, when the Orleans Parish District Attorney shut it down due to ongoing criminal activities.

This site has a colorful past, dating back to 1914 when it operated as a saloon managed by Frank P. Early, a known criminal. This saloon was situated in Storyville, a lively area famous for its legal sex work.

Yet, this building was not just a hangout for troublemakers. It was also a stage for a talented musician who would soon change the music scene. His name was Tony Jackson, a gifted pianist and composer who released the popular ragtime song, “Pretty Baby.”

Born in 1882 to formerly enslaved parents, Tony Jackson became well-known for his piano skills and captivating voice. His style blended the charm of blues with the elegance of opera. Jelly Roll Morton, a fellow musician and admirer, recalled how Jackson’s performances left a lasting impression:

“Tony Jackson was a favorite among all. He had such a beautiful voice and such a marvelous range,” Morton said.

Other musicians, like Rosalind Johnson, echoed this sentiment, claiming, “Tony Jackson was the greatest. There couldn’t no one touch him.”

The building itself mirrors the typical late-19th-century architecture seen in many New Orleans neighborhoods. It features a front door facing the corner and commercial space on the ground floor. In the past, the second floor served as living quarters or storage.

On the outside, the building showcases a wraparound gallery with decorative brackets and square medallions. Originally, tall French doors opened to the street but have since been sealed. Although the structure appears rundown now, it once vibrated with the sounds of Jackson’s lively music.

In 1915, as many Southern Black families moved north, Jackson sought better opportunities in Chicago. There, he found improved living conditions and more freedom, especially as a gay man. Jelly Roll Morton noted, “Tony Jackson liked the freedom that was there.”

By 1916, Jackson’s hit “Pretty Baby” gained immense popularity, gracing Broadway stages and making its way onto record labels like Edison and Victor.

However, Jackson’s success was short-lived. His health declined, and he passed away in 1921 due to liver disease. Despite his struggles, his influence lives on, primarily through the stories of those who experienced his exceptional talent firsthand.

Today, our eyes are drawn to that vacant building at Crozat and Bienville streets, a nostalgic reminder of the musical legacy of Tony Jackson in 1914.

Fun facts

• The 1978 film “Pretty Baby,” starring Brooke Shields, takes its name from Jackson’s famous song.
• More than a century after its release, “Pretty Baby” remains a favorite among musicians worldwide.
• Tony Jackson was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2011, celebrating his contributions beyond just music.
• Want to hear a piece of history? Listen to a 1916 player-piano roll of “Pretty Baby” here.