The Dew Drop Inn

The Dew Drop Inn is a historic music venue and social club located in the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans. The Dew Drop Inn was established in 1895 and it played a significant role in the development of African American music in New Orleans, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s.

The Dew Drop Inn was a popular spot for local musicians and artists, particularly those in the R&B, gospel, and jazz genres. It was also a gathering place for civil rights activists and community leaders. Notable performers who have played at the Dew Drop Inn include Ray Charles, James Brown, and Mahalia Jackson.

In the 1960s, the Dew Drop Inn closed its doors and it remained closed for many years. However, in the 1990s, it was restored and reopened as a music venue and cultural center. Today, the Dew Drop Inn continues to host live music and events and it is considered an important part of New Orleans' cultural heritage.

In summary, The Dew Drop Inn is a historic music venue and social club located in the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans. It was established in 1895 and played a significant role in the development of African American music in New Orleans, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s, it was a popular spot for local musicians and artists, civil rights activists and community leaders, and notable performers like Ray Charles, James Brown, and Mahalia Jackson. It closed in the 1960s and re-opened in the 1990s and continues to host live music and events, it's considered an important part of New Orleans' cultural heritage.

The Dew Drop Inn was owned and operated by several individuals throughout its history.

In the early days of the Dew Drop Inn, it was owned and operated by African American entrepreneurs, such as John Casimir, who owned the Dew Drop Inn in the early 20th century. Casimir was a musician and band leader and the Dew Drop Inn was a popular spot for musicians and artists, particularly those in the R&B, gospel, and jazz genres.

In the 1950s, the Dew Drop Inn was purchased by Leonard "Chinee" Foster and his wife, Dorothy. Leonard Foster was also a musician and band leader, and he continued to operate the Dew Drop Inn as a music venue and social club. He was also a Civil Rights Activist and the Dew Drop Inn was known as a gathering place for Civil Rights activists and community leaders.

After Leonard Foster, the Dew Drop Inn was owned and operated by different people, but it remained closed for many years. In the 1990s, it was restored and reopened as a music venue and cultural center by local businessman, Harold Battiste Sr.

In summary, The Dew Drop Inn was owned and operated by several individuals throughout its history, including John Casimir, Leonard "Chinee" Foster, and Harold Battiste Sr. All of them were African American entrepreneurs, musicians and band leaders, Civil Rights Activists, and community leaders. They helped to establish the Dew Drop Inn as an important part of New Orleans' cultural heritage and it's known for its association with music, arts, and activism.