“It (Juke Joint) transcends the boundaries of the African American Experience” Willie Little – Artist Installation of Juke Joint Exhibition, Center for Documentary Studies, Durham, North Carolina. Photo essay and photographs on this webpage by Dr. Rashon.

Juke Joints have a long history in both urban and rural settings in the USA.  Although traditionally associated with unlicensed liquor houses/stores used as after hour 'joints' to socialize, dance (jooking), and to get 'stoned".  It is also referred to as 'jook joints' from the dance form, but we will stick to the most common venacular. At Juke Joints you can get fried fish, hot music whether live or recorded, bootlegged hootch and most importantly the opportunity to let your hair down and be yourself, or put your hair up and be somebody else.  Needless to say you are welcomed and accepted regardless of who you are and who your'e not.

They arose largely as a result of segregation and prohibition in the United States that forced many African Americans to create their 'own' entertainment and social environments.  However, according to artist Willie Little, the concept, practice and social dynamic of the juke joint transcends African American culture as well as generations.  It has endured in American culture in many forms and facets, and even today, the vernacular of the 'joint' has taken on new meaning, as in the place to be, the epitome or best in class. 

At the urbanmarketreport.com Juke Joint' is your 24 hour 'joint'. After the construction is completed or begins, you can get what you want and need related to the urban market and the products and services offered by W.G. Smith & Associates.  You'll get hot research, market and trend analysis, be able to participate in our on-line community  or sign-up for the Urban Market Report:  A Tapestry of Media & Life®, or request one custom designed just for you.   Coming soon, but it still might be awhile.

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