Andrew T. Grigg<rblues@ampsc.com> Date: Wed, 8 Jan 1997
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Re: Proposed Destruction of the Historic Maxwell Street Market Area of Chicago
In my 30 years of active participation in the North American blues scene as a publisher, record producer, journalist, deejay, publicist, promoter, etc., I have become fairly knowledgeable as to the history of both blues music in general and Chicago blues in particular. I, like all creditable musicologists, acknowledge Chicago as the heart of blues culture in North America. Within the confines of the City of Chicago there remain few significant blues landmarks/places of blues heritage, due to a number of factors - urban decay, fires, renovations, etc., yet one area of major cultural and musical heritage still remains in late 1996/early 1997 and that is the internationally legend Maxwell Street Market area.
Blues fans all over the world are aware of the "Jewtown" Market of Chicago and thousands annually journey to Chicago just to witness and experience the rich sights and sounds of such a wondrous place. So many legends of the Chicago blues have been affiliated with Maxwell Street Market over the last 50 years and even today up-and-coming blues artists, and even some of international renown (Piano C. Red), still play in the open air of the Market area. So ask any of the thousands of blues fans from around the world who trek to Chicago every year where they intend on going and most will say "Maxwell Street!"
Needless to say, I was appalled to learn of the plans to destroy the Maxwell Street Market area to make way for parking lots and University of Illinois expansion. It must not happen! Chicago would be losing part of its heart and soul and cultural/musical heritage and the whole world would suffer as a result of this ill-conceived plan.
Blues fans everywhere should be encouraged to express their outrage at such a plan and we will be using our publication (Real Blues Magazine) to elicit support for the preservation of the Maxwell Street Market area. We will be directing our readers to write/fax/phone Chicago City Council in an effort to stymie the planned destruction of this great historical landmark area and let us not forget that not only is the Market area vitally important to Black Chicago's heritage, but it is also part of Jewish Chicago's history and cultural heritage. We would hope that the members of Chicago's Jewish community are also mobilizing and expressing their disapproval and outrage to the University of Illinois and Chicago City Council.
We pray that common sense and pride in Chicago's cultural heritage win out over blind progress and that the Maxwell Street Market area be protected for future generations.
Sincerely,
Andrew T. Grigg
Music Editor
Real Blues Magazine
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return to Preserve Maxwell Street