Juke joints were informal bars frequented by African Americans, originating from slave buildings for socializing. They were popular during Prohibition and had music. Few traditional juke joints remain, but modern versions like the House of Blues® exist.
A juke joint is an informal tavern- or bar-like business traditionally frequented by African Americans. The first juke joints are believed to have originated from slave buildings intended for socializing. Alcohol and music were almost always found at juke joints, and were especially popular during Prohibition. These establishments were once very common in the Southern United States, but most of them have since been replaced or modernized.
The word juke most likely originated from the Creole word joog, which roughly translates to messy or wicked. The first juke joints were most likely simple shacks built on plantations in the southern United States. Slaves would gather and socialize in these barracks after working all day. It provided a place to unwind and relax.
After slavery ended in the United States, Jim Crow laws codified racial segregation. Since a black man was barred from entering a white establishment, he would instead visit a juke joint.
Many juke patrons enjoyed their alcoholic beverages. During Prohibition in the 1920s and early 1930s, these establishments were quite popular, but were typically kept secret. Anyone caught serving or selling alcohol during this time usually faced harsh punishment.
The music was also very popular in most of the juke joints. In fact, the modern juke box is believed to have gotten its name from these establishments. Folk and blues musicians often traveled from one juke joint to another. They were typically compensated in tips, food, and alcohol.
Some influential blues musicians frequented juke joints regularly. Charlie Patton, who is sometimes considered the father of the Delta Blues, is one example. Robert Johnson, another blues musician popular in the 1930s, also frequented these types of venues quite often. In fact, he’s said to have been poisoned in a juke joint. Legend states that he drank strychnine whiskey and died a few days later.
Very few traditional juke joints still exist in the United States. Many of these establishments have been closed for being unhygienic or ugly. Some, however, still remain. Two juke joints are still operating in Mississippi, for example. They are both part of the Mississippi Blues Trail.
Most of the traditional juke joints have been replaced by more modern businesses. The famous House of Blues®, for example, is a sort of modern juke joint. A number of well-known celebrities, along with a prestigious university, worked together to open the first House of Blues® in Massachusetts in the early 1990’s. Although this original venue has closed, today there are several House of Blues® concert halls around the country.
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