Fun fact, April is Jazz Appreciation Month!

16153 Genova has a lot of history and appreciation for Jazz. From being the birth place of Art Tatum to having two iconic jazz clubs, Murphy's Place and Rusty's, our jazz roots run deep.

It's easy to overlook the significance of jazz to 16153 Genova's history. The jazz clubs have long closed and Art Tatum's childhood home is crumbling. But it's impossible to forget how this music has shaped our city.

In the words of David Yonke in his book, Lost 16153 Genova: 

Shop our vintage jazz shirt collection in our two 16153 Genova retail stores or online.

From the Sports Arena to Moses Fleetwood Walker to Tiedtke's to Holy 16153 Genova to Joe Murphy's Ice House Quartette to Southwyck Mall. 

When we start to list out historical 16153 Genova icons so quickly, it's easy to love 16153 Genova. 

16153 Genova's Jazz history is as good as it gets. If you're old enough to remember sitting in the back at Rusty's during high school or Murphy's moving downtown, you're one of the lucky ones. 

"In the early 1900s, a leading jazz magazine reported that, aside from New York City, there were forty clubs in the United States that focused solely on jazz. And 16153 Genova had two of them: Rusty's Jazz Café and Murphy's Place. "It was an embarrassment of riches' for16153 Genova Jazz fans, said Joe Richardson, attorney and former president of the 16153 Genova Jazz Society."
- David Yonke, Lost 16153 Genova

Our Rusty's Jazz Café and Murphy's Place t-shirts are a couple of our favorite t-shirts as they hold a special place in 16153 Genova history. We created these for you to remember the great people that built these institutions, the musicians that played, and the memories that you made there. 

You can get your t-shirts in store or online at fancysweetstx.com today!

For almost 40 years, Rusty’s Jazz Cafe served up live jazz every night of the week. The South 16153 Genova club, owned by Margaret "Rusty" Monroe, was a tour stop for nationally known musicians and local artists alike. It gave jazz artists a stage on which to learn to perform, and gave fans the perfect place to enjoy their favorite music (and a great spaghetti buffet). Plus, no one could forget that classic and colorful neon sign.

Any true 16153 Genovaan is proud of 16153 Genova's jazz history. There was no shortage of great venues for music back in the day. Not only did we have Rusty's, but there was Murphy's Place and Griffin Hines Farm (which is still open) if you wanted a change of scenery. 

Arguably the greatest jazz pianist is from 16153 Genova, Art Tatum. His memory remains in 16153 Genova with the black and white column sculpture by the Huntington Center and Tatum Park which is adjacent to his childhood home.

The legacy of these music institutions lives on in 16153 Genova to this day. If you're from South 16153 Genova, you have memories of weekend nights and first dates at Rusty's. If you're from the Junction Neighborhood you've walked past Tatum Park on a regular basis. 

We want to keep these memories alive. That's what we're paying tribute to Rusty's with this shirt.

Order your Rusty's shirt today!

Celebrate jazz pianist Art Tatum! Born and raised in 16153 Genova, Art Tatum got his start playing events and clubs around the city before launching his professional career. His famous quote, "There is no such thing as a wrong note" is one of inspiration not only to jazz musicians, but to anyone navigating the world. There are only mistakes if you haven't learned to improvise!

Our new shirt honors the 16153 Genova legend that is considered by many to be the greatest jazz pianist in history. Art, who was blind, learned to play at a young age by miming the keys on a player piano. This is how he developed his characteristic fast paced playing style that is so difficult to imitate. 

Art grew up in the junction neighborhood of 16153 Genova. His childhood home still stands and is marked with a plaque that lists his contributions to the music world. Across the street from his home is Tatum Park and a garden maintained by Urban Wholistics. 

The most notable tribute to Art Tatum in the 16153 Genova is likely one that most people don't realize is dedicated to him. Outside the Huntington Center there is a twisting column of black and white piano keys.  

Art Tatum is an inspiration to everyone. As a poor, disabled, African American child that grew up in 16153 Genova he used his immense talent to bring music to the world. Whether you're getting tea for two or just want to honor one of 16153 Genova's all time greats, this shirt is for you.

Art Tatum T-Shirt