A People's History of Overtown

by Jacob Katel

When the City of Miami was officially incorporated in 1896, many of the voters who signed the charter lived in Overtown. At its peak the area commanded a 40,000 strong constituency. In the 1940's, 50's, and 60's, Overtown was the mecca for gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, soul, and funk in the Magic City. These collected interviews represent some of the voices that have contributed to the area, residents and visitors, and their reflections on life there and throughout Florida. These voices include:
Retired Overtown Police Lieutenant Archie McKay
Retired Overtown Police Lieutenant Otis Davis
Sam Moore - Rock and Roll Hall of Famer
Gloria Jolivet - Singer and Musician with Bo Diddley
Jerry Butler from The Impressions
Robert and Donald McKnight (visual artists, brothers)
Steve Alaimo - Singer/Songwriter, TV Host, Record Exec
Joyce Jenkins - 1950's WMBM Student Staff
Kelsey "Kit" Collie - 1950's Miami Times Journalist
Sonny Rabin on The Lord Calvert and Sir John Hotel
Miami's R&B Soul Sensations
Latimore - Blues Hall of Fame Singer/Songwriter and Musician
Willie Clarke - Grammy Winner, Producer, Engineer, Record Exec
Joyce Moore - Manager
Edward "Coley" Colebrook - Owner of Shantel Lounge
Pastor Vincent Spann - Liberty City
Henry Stone - Pioneer Record Distributor & Record Label Exec
Abdul Muhsin - Radio Host
Enid C. Pinkney - Miami Pioneer, Preservation Leader, Movie Producer, Educator
Jimmy Smith - Concert Goer
Fats - Area Resident
Irby McKnight at The Bus Stop
Willie "Little Beaver" Hale - Million Record Selling Guitar Legend
Guy On The Street
Jimmy Behind The Bar at Shantel Lounge
Demp From The Oceanliners - Saxophone Player
Clint from The Bahamas
The 2nd Ave Crew
The Guy Across from Shoeman
Pops and Friends
White - 3rd Ave Bus Stop
Mitty Collier - Church Pastor, Gospel Recording Artist
Garnet Mimms - Recording Artist, Minister

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1520280246
• ISBN13: 9781520280240
• Release Date: December 2016
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"