For those who aren’t old enough to remember, I intend to do a couple of blog posts on the Bossier strip. This was suggested by a regular commenter who goes by the non de plume of Realist and is a great idea. I have a few recollections that I can share, and hopefully some other people will chime in.
The Bossier strip ran from the foot of the Texas Street bridge where the old Hurricane Lounge was located. It continued out to roughly Swan Lake Road where the donut shop is now.
The strip consisted of nightclubs and bars, with a few restaurants and motels thrown in.
Everyone ended up their night (at about 2 in the morning) at the Kickapoo on the corner of Benton Road and East Texas Street. The Kickapoo was a restaurant and motel.
People would order up some steak and eggs and begin the sobering up process, but there was a party atmosphere in the restaurant as the wee hours waned on.
Entertainers from all of the clubs would come there too and mingle with the other customers. It was a heckuva good time!
Let it suffice to say that I knew three or four high school boys who would make the trek out to Sak’s Boom Boom Room on a regular basis. (I know there are a couple of Mamas looking down from heaven saying ‘I knew it!’)
There you would get a tiny glass of beer for $1 and sip it while you enjoyed the live bands. Most of the clubs had live music, and some pretty good entertainers appeared out there.
At the Boom Boom Room we used to go hear Wayne Cochran and the CC Riders. Cochran was fairly well known and made a pretty good niche for himself. The video is very representative of what he did.
I think what we enjoyed most was when he would do Sam the Sham’s Wooly Bully. He could tear that song up.
Note: At the time, you could purchase beer at the age of 18, you had to be 21 for hard drinks. Not to say that we didn’t go there before we were 18, if you behaved yourself and had a buck you were in. I never heard of anyone being ID’d. How did they get away with it? Well, that’s another story for another day. In the meantime, enjoy the outrageous Wayne Cochran.
My grandpa and dad use to tell me stories about the strip all the time. Let's just say my grandpa was a regular.
ReplyDeleteHeather =)
I am looking for some someone who knew my mother she worked at the turf lounge and every bar in about the strip should I do got named Glenn who is stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base she had my brother in the lady she was living with took care of him while she worked she’s she says it Gwen was my father but after checking there’s no way he could be my father I was born in 1966 I’m looking for someone who knew her anybody any information you have would be appreciated her name is Betty Davis like I said she want to strip And Lived at the Kickapoo motel terribatt@gmail.com
DeleteWow! I worked at the Turf lounge. It was 1965 or 66.
DeleteIt is just crazy to be reminded of those days. I know how girls would work in the different Clubs on the strip. I also worked at The Long Branch Saloon. I did not get to know the girls...So did not know your mother. Sorry. But I know how the club was run and I probably have more questions than answers. Sammy Marcello was the owner of the Turf Lounge at that time. I remember telling him I planned to go to New Orleans. He gave me his brother Carlos' phone #. He was very polite about it. Told me Carlos would make sure I had everything I would need...
DeleteI have a bit of a different memory. My grandparents lived in the Broadmoor area of Shreveport and we lived in Atlanta. We would drive twice yearly during the 60s & 70s, and I-20 ended in Minden. When we would get to the strip on US 80, I thought all the lights were so cool. There was a huge sign for a liquor store, the Capri Motel with the giant star, the Western Hills and I thought the whole think was a wonderland. Someone told me it started to go downhill when I-20 was opened over the Red River in the 1970s. I guess they depended a lot more on the out of town tourists than people thought. Thanks for posting this blog. Shreveport was a big part of my childhood. My generation of relatives all have moved away.
DeleteThose were the fun days. Like you said everyone was at the Kickapoo at closing time. Brings back great memories of my younger days.
ReplyDeleteLoved my days as a single airman @ 18 from Barksdale AFB, 1961 - 1963. Oooo La La the good times. Dancers, bar maids never a lost moment... :-) DeBo from CT.
DeleteI got stationed at Barksdale in the late 70's, just about the time when things were winding down for the Bossier Strip. I remember names of clubs like The Torch, The Pump House, and there was one with metal palm tree out front (I think it was called the Shindig), and one with a huge stagecoach sign I think was called the Stagecoach. Of course there was Daddy's Money, The Drummer's Inn, and nasty little place called the Stirrup Lounge.
ReplyDeleteI miss the old Kokomo that was across and down the street to the west from where the old Don Drive-In was located, where P.B. Mall is now located.
When they said the Strip was well know throughout the Air Force, that was not an exaggeration.
I got stationed in Germany after leaving Barksdale, and one day I was talking to my supervisor who had never been to Barksdale. He was asking me questions about where I've been and such, and I told him my last assignment was Barksdale, and he said, "Tell me about the Strip.)
My dad owned the stagecoach, t.j's and vinestreet bar
DeleteI was a dancer at the old Torch Lounge (B girl) back in 1974 right before they opened the racetrack out there. I was a competitive dancer in Vegas (my hometown) and was offered a plane ticket and a place to live in Shreveport. I had just graduated high school, and thought this was my "big break"! Little did I know what was involved lol. It was a very interesting experience to say the least! 😂
DeleteDid the stagecoach happen to have a 10' tall 15' long stage coach on a pole mounted outside? With Neon all over it? If so, do you have a picture of it by chance?
DeleteMy email is My65cuda@aol.com. I believe I have this piece.
DeleteGreat story. The KoKoMo was great, Saturday nights when I was in High School we would just cruise through, around and around the place, if you were lucky you might get a spot to pull in!
ReplyDeleteYou're on the money on the other places, the Shindig was big, had great bands.
Thanks for commenting.
Heather - I might have run into your grandpa at one time or another, who knows. At one time my older brother had five clubs out there (in the late 60's early 70's), lots of people came and went
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in college in Nacogdoches, we used to drive to Bossier to the strip occasionally. I don't remember any of the club names.
ReplyDeleteActually, I don't remember a lot from those years :-)
I know Donna. When younger people tell me 'it must have been fun to live in the 60's' I just tell them 'it must have been!'.
ReplyDeleteGoing back to the 60's and the USAF when we didn't make any money we'd all go to the Blues after 9PM for cheap beer. There eas also a place outside the west gate that had alot of business. The wrestlers also hung out at the KOKOMO back in those days. They were the good old days of fond memories and the drug scene wasn't what it is now.
ReplyDeleteThe place outside the west gate I believe your referring to was the Orbit Lounge. I was a go-go dancer there in 1965! In 66 the featured dancer at Saks was a girl billed as "a 250 lb. Go-Go dancer" that girl could dance!
DeleteI was there in 1966. I was 17 years old. I answered an ad that said. Girls, must be 18 years old. No experience necessary.
DeleteI walked across the bridge that connected Shreveport to Bossier City. At the time I was staying in a 12.00 a week hotel. I had less than 5.00 to my name after paying my week's room rent.
I think it was the Turf Lounge?
I got my first job. I know I also worked at the Long Branch Saloon as B- girl too.
I just wanted to make enough money to get a bus ticket to New Orleans.
Anyone remember which clubs were run by Sammy Marcello?
I should add that I had left California as a runaway. I had great fake ID.
DeleteWhen I met Sammy Marcello. He was the big shot. I did tell him I just wanted to get to New Orleans. He told me to.look his brother up when I got there. He gave me his bother Carlos Marcello ' s phone #.
Sad to say that Disco Dale has passed. Last Sunday, October 29, 2017. He was a regular at Drummers Inn/Michael's from the late 70's through the 80's. Dale was a lovable person who loved to dance, and he was a kind person and a gentleman. RIP Dale.
DeleteI think my dad owned that place at one time
DeleteSome of us from the 70's and 80's days of Drummers Inn, Michael's Inn, Moulin Rouge (a few of the many name changes of Town And Country) have wondered where everyone has gone. This is as close to memories that I've found online of the strip. Driving down that road isn't quite the same with so many of the places gone or having new business signs on the buildings. The memories last, though. KoKoMo was a great place and the best seafood basket on earth.
ReplyDeleteAin't it the truth. I come home every now and then and hardly recognize the place. Loved Drummers, Moulin, and all the others!
DeleteThat was what was so great about growing up in the Shreveport/Bossier area in the 50s and 60s. You had to have been there to get it. It was like a mini Las Vegas.
ReplyDeleteBefore we were old enough to venture in "under age" we would go stand at the back door of Sak's just to listen to Wayne Cochran. Think he had brown hair then and there was talk that he even teased his hair. Spent many nights dancing the night away up & down the Strip. Years later Wayne Cochran came to Dallas where I now live. I was 8 mo & 1 wk pregnant but I had to see him. We delivered my son the next night. Guess Wayne has played a part in several of the stages of my life..
ReplyDeleteMy Grand father worked at Kickapoo and later owned the KoKoMo Drive In and I hear stories all the time about that time and those places.
ReplyDeleteTrust me, I mention the KoKoMo and EVERYONE has a story to tell.
Too bad times aren't like that now.
Oh gosh - sure wish I had the recipe to the onion rings kokomo made....they were so good.
DeleteMy birth certificate says that my father was a "clerk at Kickapoo Motel"...spent many hours in the late fifties hanging around Kickapoo, eating at Kickapoo Cafe, having Gene cut my hair at the Kickapoo Barber Shop...found a postcard recently and gave it to my father as a gift...brought back many memories...we lived in the old Barksdale homes off of Old Benton Road and just a couple of blocks from the Ko-Ko-Mo.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember a girl by the name of
Deletealice darling that worked at the Kickapoo? There was a man last name Viola that was sweet on her? 1974-75
email me at slance678@hotmail.com
Bossier City was a great place to grow up in the '50s and '60s. I was an air force brat. Spent many summer nights playing ball at Walbrooke and Shady Grove. As I grew older I ventured out on "the Strip". It rocked my world. It offered something for everyone's taste. You could dance country and western at the Turf Club to the music of JW Johnson and Donna Lynne or move on down the street to the Shindig or Saks for good 'ole rock and roll. The hot chicks I knew then were regular followers of the band Rogue Show who played mostly at the Orbit Lounge on Barksdale Blvd. If we were short of cash we would just cruise the Kokomo to find out where a party might be happening or if there would be a drag race later that night. Some of the boys from Bossier, Airline and Haughton had some bad muscle cars back then. The Friday nights after football games were especially hectic on the strip. You never knew who or what you might see. Got lots of memories good and bad from those crazy times........BF.
ReplyDeleteJ.W. Johnston is my uncle. We sat around a campfire picking guitar and him singing many nights at the old home place in Belmont. Great memories.
DeleteJ.W. Johnson was an unbelievable voice and talent. Would love to hear him sing again. Does he still sing?
DeleteJ.W. is 70 years old now. He only sings at his church now. He beat cancer and is still going strong.
DeleteJw passed years ago
DeleteHave to have been there to appreciate it. I try telling my 20 year old grandson what it was like, and I think he tries to understand, but he has that 'all righty' look on his face . .
ReplyDeleteahhh.. the ko ko mo; "those were the days my friends we thought they'd never end"i also was an air force brat from braksdale and went to airline. i drove a brand new red vw bug my dad bought it for $1500 thats not enough for a down payment today ..lol and loved to go to the ko ko mo on saturday nights, loved their onion rings and never have had better since. wish i could go back in time and revisit it all just for a day! leida
ReplyDeleteCruising through the KoKoMo - nothing like it.
ReplyDeleteI was their in 72 with the 2mms, My forvorite place was a little bar close to the base called the Black Knight, I fell in love with all the strippers, as long as my money held out,which was not long,I think I was making 300 bucks a month..but it was worth every penny,
ReplyDeleteI played music on the strip from 1961-1966 the Hullabaloo (Later the Shindig), Sak's Boom Boom Room, The Diamond Head Lounge, Ramada Gold Room, Orbit Lounge and many others I can't even remember. I think my first job was at The Diamond Head Lounge, owned by a guy named Paul Taglavore. I was young and green and the first two weeks he convinced me to join in his crap game he had going on in the back. With that and my bar tab I don't remember ever making any money there even though our pay was $80/wk, and we wouldn't have gotten that if it the Musician's hadn't have been so strong. If I had any left it went into the pinball machine at,the Kikapoo Retaurant. It was a great place to party 24 hours a day, and we rarely slept. Whether we slept or not we would meet at Kelly's Truck Stop on the strip for breakfast around 1 PM and then go to the club and learn some new songs. Of course at night everybody would meet at the Kikapoo to get something to eat. There was only booze in those days but we got bennys from a local druggist and it was easy to find a doctor to get us some of the harder stuff. I remember drinking a fifth a night and never staggering. There were a new batch of strange women every night and they headed straight to the bandstand. We knew what they wanted and were happy to oblige. I still can't believe I lived through six years of that. Oh, the high point of my life was swimming in the cement pond with Eli Mae Clampette of the Beverly Hillbillies. I talked to Max Baer a couple of years ago and he remembers the time and waking up in his hotel room to find a woman in his bed that wouldn't leave. I doubt there will ever be a wilder place (or there should be). NBC came down there while I was there and did a special on 'Sin City, La.'
ReplyDeletewas playen Diamond Head Lounge the night Johnny Horton was killed. from 59-62 played most of the clubs that had bands. was way cool to me played with Jerry Lee at the Stork Club. Yes, those were some great times.
DeleteI was at La. tech in "69. Went to the strip with a guy in Ag. He was from Bossier. Me being from south La., i did not know the strip existed. He drove a pontiac Sprint.(firebird)..6cyl with a large 4bbl carb...didn't take us very long to get to the strip and i had no clue where i was.....I just remember all the lights...I do remember a lighted dance floor.
ReplyDeleteI live in blanchard now and here lots of stories from the old folks about the strip... Wish there was a map designating the location of each club.
dd
I was in High School 1956-60, and I remember the Strip very well. After graduation I went into the Navy. but, have many fond memories of coming home on leave. The KOKOMO was a special place for us. Barney Bates owned the KOKOMO, and he passed away just a few years ago. Around 2005 I beleive
ReplyDeleteBlues Red Devil and the Fountain are two that don't seem to have been mentioned in this Blog.
Don't forget the Turf Lounge and Fuqua's Harley Davidson Cycle shop on corner of Benton Rd and E. Texas too!
DeleteIf your name was Tony you're the best saxophone player I've ever heard
DeleteI played with the CC Riders at Saks Boom Boom Room. And lived at the Kickapoo Motel. The cool thing is that there were two guys that lived at the Kickappo. They had a band called "It and Them" it was Eadgar and Johhny Winters. I'm guessing it was around 1966. By the way Eagar and Johhny had short brush hair cuts.
ReplyDeleteI loved living in Bossier and I have great memories. I am blessed I was able to experience that time in my life. I used to think only we lived the 60's in Bossier. I know, that's weird, but not so sure it's not true. Doshia
ReplyDeleteGirl you so wright about living in the 60's in Bossier the best time in my live would not be the person i am now if the go time in Bossier never happen
DeleteDoshia has memories of spreading her legs!
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ReplyDeleteWhat ever happened to Danny & Jerry? Remember when Jerry got shot? I visited him in the hospital. He survived, thank God!
ReplyDeleteIn case nobody ever answered your question re Jerry. He's still in Shreveport and still playing guitar. Playing now with Robin and the Mystics. Robin's his daughter and a great vocalist. He's also hosting the Jerry Beach Blues Jam on Monday night at Lee's in Shreveport.
DeleteCan you let me know if Danny is still around. Would love to get in touch with him. Me and my girlfriend use to go to Kim's Lounge every night to hear Danny & Jerry, they were awesome.
DeleteDoshia Marie Wall is a thief!
DeleteSadly, there are obituaries online for both Danny Harrelson and Jerry Marlon Beach.
DeleteI lived in Bossier from 1964 to 1968...spent lots of time at Saks & the Shindig & the Orbit...lots of time at the KoKoMo and Kickapoo...graduated from AHS in 1966...when i go back now it's all changed...I don't want to relive it but that time is what made me what I am today!!! As Jack Benny would say...thanks for the memories!
ReplyDeleteWent to Northwestern La State University in 1960 and the strip is why I ended up in the US Army. Great place. Remember the pink elephant room. Those were the days. I remember the Sho Bar, KoKoMos and Saks. Spent many a late night there.
ReplyDeletei remember the old kokomo sign. with its spinning car with lighted headlamps. part of that old sign is still in use today at brewer mobile homes on east texas street. i still live in the neighborhood directly behind the old kokomo.
ReplyDeleteNobody mentions that the original Kokomo was at the NE corner of Shed & Benton Rd.
ReplyDeleteHey, that's right! Forgot about that one. I am trying to get a number on how many KoKoMo's there were total in Shreveport/Bossier?
DeleteI was 18 when I worked as a Go-Go Dancer at Saks, 1972. I loved it, $300 a week plus tips. We wore zip-up body suits and white go-go boots. Merle Kemmerly was good to his girls. Ruby & June were the bar-tenders. I dated Tookie, Merle's son. I worked there till 1974 when the Banditos came in, brought their women to dance topless.... so I quit. We all ate at the Kickapoo or the Studio Steak House. Most of the dancers lived together and we slept till noon, shopped a lot & loved working together. There was Bee-Bee, Kathy, Elaine, & me. Those were the good old days:)
ReplyDeleteFeb 10, 2013
DeleteI worked at the Kickaoo Cafe off and on during the med 60's, my Mom worked there for about 10 years, someone will probably remember her. She was a thin lady with dark hair by the name of Margaret, some called her margie. Does anyone know what happened to Sammy or Bubba?
I had a friend named June there. Can you remember her last name? She was very short with dark hair and great personality.
DeleteI will ask my twin Nephews, Kenny and Jimmy Viola. They will know about Sammy and Bubba.
Deletedo you happen to remember alice darling shockley? she lived at the kickapoo and worked at one of the clubs as a dancer in 74ish. If you or anyone else remembers her, please email me at slance678@hotmail.com
DeleteDOES ANYONE REMEMBER DAN & JERRY'S SONG NAMED "I GOT PRIDE"? IF SO DO YOU REMEMBER THE LYRICS...PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHERE I CAN GET A COPY...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ebay.com/itm/Pop-45-Danny-Jerry-IVe-Got-Pride-Connection-On-Ronn-/360954453864
DeleteThe Bossier Strip from '64 to '72, could it ever get any better than that?? Great rivalries: Bossier-Airline even Rusheon-Greenacres; anybody from Bossier vs. anybody from Byrd, Fair Park, Woodlawn, across the river or Texas. Some pretty memorable fights; more memorable parties. Danny and Jerry at Kim's lounge was just about the best house band there ever was. Search the world over and you will not find a better onion ring than those at the KoKoMo. Closing time at the Kickapoo or the Studio. Sammie Spataro, classy guy...he knew we weren't 18. Wayne Cochran at Sak's, the Newbeats, Shindig... Doshia Wall (see her earlier post) was every schoolboy's fantasy, as nice as she was gorgeous. Cruisin Hwy 80 listing to KEEL and KOKA. For the longest time, I thought the movie "American Grafitti" was based on us...only less exciting.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Bossier City, I was young and didnt go to all these place, however I do remember my old sister alsways going to BLUES!!!! Where she would listen to Clyde Creel and Dawn Glass. Who remembers them? We use to live On Mary Kay...its the road that went along side the Pumpin Station...We were right there in all the action. LOL When I did get older I was disappointe that Blues was gone, So my place was BJ's...Awesome place. Who remembers the Crawdad's. They were an awesome band.The memories...I do not live there anymore but my family does still. I love going back and seeing the different palces. It just inst the same.
ReplyDeleteWorked on the strip in 1976 and 1977. Worked as a B-girl at Fountain Lounge briefly waiting for a bartender's job at Blues Lounge to open up. I remember Dawn Glass and Kenny Stewart. Some of the band members, but they varied from time to time, Norman (can't recall his last name) Whitecloud? (his wife was a waitress), David McGee on piano, Ronnie and/or David Collins guitar players, Wild Bill Parrish. 76 was peak cowboy time with Urban Cowboy movie in release and everyone sporting their bull riding hats, etc. Lots of drama and fighting too. LOL. Lots of folks from the racetrack would come in there too. Jockey's and racehorse owners. I also worked at Merle Kimmerle's Sandpiper briefly. Loved the venue and the tuxedo looking costumes with bowtie, tails and tights, very classy. But it was tips only and money was better on the strip. Mr. Kimmerle was a super nice person.
DeleteMore memory recall - there used to be a lady who came into Blues Lounge who dressed up like Dolly Parton. Tiny little bows in her big blonde hair.
DeleteWe used to eat a Kickapoo too. A friend from those days, Dottie's (can't recall last name) mother worked there. Loved the little juke boxes at each table.
Dottie had a friend who lived at the Kickapoo motel who was a huge Elvis fan. I recall he was so, so sad when Elvis passed away. Would play his records over and over.
We also used to go to Sambo's to eat late at night. :)
I remember Clyde Creel and Dawn Glass...I dated Clyde for 3yrs. I miss the good old days. I remember the Crawdads. Wow
DeleteI remember Clyde very well my mom was married to him back in thoughs days he was the only real father I ever had love and miss him every day especially now that mom passed away
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DeletePardon my typing in my ealier comment...trying to sneak it in at work is hard to do.. Thanks
ReplyDeleteMe and my buds spent quality time in B.C. coming from Lufkin in East Texas. We were 18 and knew we were the coolest people on earth. All these years I have a cherished my little Boom Boom Room glass, the one the short beers came in. A new kitten knocked it off a shelf and broke it It was about 5" tall with black letters for Merle Kimberley's Boom Boom Room. If anyone has one of those glasses, I will pay way too much money for it. We never got in really bad trouble, okay, driving on the sidewalk was not a laughing matter to the police. Bossier is a special memory of my mis-spent youth.
ReplyDeleteLoved the spaghetti and meatballs at the Kickapoo Restaurant. Went there numerous times growing up.
ReplyDeleteSammy and Bubba have both passed away Down Glass is doing well living in Minden with her husband Ken. The bossier strip still lives in the memorys of all who went there.
ReplyDeleteHi, I was too young fro all this, but my brothers and I went to the pediatrician in Shreveport (The Strain Clinic) and back in the 1960s you drove in from the east on the Strip because I-20 ended just west of Minden and you had to get on Highway 80 to get to Shreveport. I remember all the exotic signs for the clubs, and I wish there were a book about the Strip with photos of the clubs, signs, etc. and some stories from this era. I bet it would be a best seller!
ReplyDeleteFamily story is that I was about 2 years old and really showed out at the Kickapoo restaurant one time. Watching my parents' helplessness in dealing with bratty grandkids, I can see how they could not do anything with me, especially as they must have been in their early 20s, no older than that, at the time! My aunt worked at United Gas and had an all-girl C&W band; they played for years usually out on Barksdale Blvd in various clubs.
Anyway, someone write the book!
Although I came late to this Blog, I had to report: everywhere I brought this subject up this weekend, it ended up being The Topic of the day: coffee shop, wherever. Seems like most everyone either had a story they heard or happened to them, or at least wanted to listen. Some of the night spots in Monroe la and other cities even came up, places I never knew about.
ReplyDeleteI tell you, there is a market for a book or maybe a PBS special about this.
My buddies and I, who were stationed at Barksdale in the fifties, used to frequent all the spots on the Strip. I remember Blue's Skyway Lounge, Blue's Red Devil, the Tower, the Amber Inn ("and stagger out"), the Pelican Club, and, of course, the Kickapoo Café, where we'd end up afterwards. And on the Barksdale Blvd. corridor, there was the K-9 bar, Fannie's Lounge, and The Gate Post Lounge, which was operated by Capt. Jones and Marie, the parents of Billie Jean, Hank Williams' widow who later married Johnny Horton.
ReplyDeleteHowever, we never went into The Burnt Match Bar, which looked kind of scary.
Who remembers Longbranch saloon in 1968?
ReplyDeleteI remember the Long Branch Saloon. My first job 1967 was at the United Dollar Store by the original Tubbs Hardware on Benton Rd . The Long Branch was around the corner on the Texas. Several of the ladies from Long Branch would shop at the Dollar store for thing panty hose, make up etc.
DeleteI don't think my last post went thru. The Longbranch was wild back in 68. Jimmy Costner ran the place and he got a kick out of picking up the young scrapers by the back of the collar and back of the belt and throwing them out thru the swinging doors. The doors would flap together several times. Just like a cartoon. Lol
DeleteSomeone needs to write a book about the Strip while folks are still here who can tell the stories.
DeleteMy friend's sister worked at Longbranch in the mid-70s.
DeleteI grew up in Monroe and made many shopping trips to Shreveport with my family in the 60's and 70's. We loved to drive down the old strip at night on our way back home to see the neon lights. My parents would always say: "you could get your throat slit in that place". Several years back I asked the official Bossier historian if there were any books about the old strip and he said some of the pillars of the community didn't want that book written:) Maybe enough time has passed that its now colorful history rather than something to forget about. Tombstone, Arizona has made a lot of money because of its history with the OK Corral. Some of the old buildings could be restored, neon signs repaired, have a restaurant?
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember Harry's BBQ on East Texas Street in Bossier City?
ReplyDeleteDo I remember Harry's Bar-B-Que? I remember the best song on the juke box was "I've Been Lovin' You Too Long." Use to go there after hours two or three times a week. There will never be, nor could there ever be another Bossier City Strip. If we only knew then what we know now, we'd have taken some pictures.
ReplyDeleteDo I remember Harry's BBQ? I must have fallen in love dancing to that Otis Redding tune four or five times. There was an Italian Restaurant across the street that had great food after hours. No iPhones back then, the only pictures are in our own, tortured minds.
DeleteAlthough I grew up in the 70's and only caught the tail end of the strip hey day.. I still have fond memories of quarter beer night on Thursdays. All the neon was still working on the signs then. We would eat boiled shrimp and go watch bands ... lots of fun
ReplyDeleteThis would be perfect material for the Robinson Film prize I have pictures and supper 8 film of the strip. The music of the strip in my opinion merged country Cajun and r&b and that's when classic rock was born. Old notoriety about mob influence missed this very important historical fact. And its been stolen from us by Memphis and Nashville just because of recording studios.
ReplyDeleteHello Mike,
DeleteI would be interested in seeing your pictures and film of The Strip.
Thanks,
Johnny Wessler, 318-393-3274
I started working at Snoopy's Lounge,next to the Long Branch Saloon when I was 17.Then,The Tropics,Palace,Gypsies,Tramps and Thieves,Hi-Lo,Hurricane,J&J,Tap Room,Polly Jo's Sunset Lounge,Fountain,Blue's,The Stall,Black Knight,Pumpin Station...Twenty-six years of the Bossier Strip made me the woman I am today.Twenty bucks a night and a dollar a drink.Thanks all you former innocents who helped me sometimes bring home a whopping 200 dollars a week.OOOOhhhhhhh,the memories.
ReplyDeleteWoohoo what year was it when you worked at Snoopys. I worked at Long Branch and the HiLo.
DeleteBrings back memories, I started going to the strip in 1974, what year did you start..? Heck we might have met..? [wink] [wink]
DeleteStarted at Snoopy's in '69,for Ronnie Harville and Robert Hayden.
ReplyDeleteI was at Longbranch 1968/69 and HiLo 1970.
ReplyDeleteSherry, I knew you at the Nilo. in 70. You were the cute little blound. you were from Dallas I believe. We dated a few times.
DeleteYes, I was from Dallas. I was the bartender at HiLo and Sam Liberto owned the club.
DeleteI'm looking for my good friend June Robinson who also worked at the Hi Lo in 1970. She was from Port Arthur Tx
DeleteGuess u remember Shorty Howard,then,lol.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember the Little Hanger on Barksdale Blvd or stop by Beams after hours for steak and eggs? 1965 was a great time for living in Bossier.
ReplyDeleteI was at barksdale oct 1965 till 1968, practically lived at the little hanger, Lucky would let me run a tab, .50 cent beer. mostly security police hangout
DeleteCame from the north (Pittsburgh Pa) in 1968 with high school friend. Brother stationed at Barksdale. Met some special people. Mainly went to Satellite Bar and country Kitchen on Barksdale Blvd. No it was called The Cajun Kitchen.Would love to hear from friends we made from all over US.
ReplyDeleteAnyone remember 2 18 year old girls living on Boone St off of Barksdale Blvd.
For me,"the boulevard" meant The Yank Lounge,The Blue Door,the Buck 'n Shoot,and the Wishing Well.Would go from the fun of the night before to the bloody marys across town,then start all over.
ReplyDeleteCame across some old family letters from 1963-1965 that mentioned the Peppermint Twist, Gus (the owner) and "Little" Barbara. Would appreciate some information about the place or people.
ReplyDeleteThe Peppermint Lounge became the Hulabaloo and later the Shindig. Gus' last name was Theodos. I don't remember Little Barbara unless you are talking about Gus' wife. I remember Sheryl "Smerls" the head bartender. Gus was a good friend. After the Shindig closed, he opened a restaurant in Ruston. I played at the Shingdig. Wolfman Jack was there and several others. We really rocked that place.
DeleteIn 1964, I came down from Lawton, OK after high school graduation to baby sit for my brother's four boys, while his wife was having a fifth one at the Barksdale Hospital. I came across an ad in the Shreveport newspaper about a guy at the Peppermint Lounge no one had ever heard of outside of Shreveport named Wolfman Jack. Went to see him and he blew me away. Dale Hawkins was appearing there also. A double fantasy fulfilled for me. Then I got to go to Stan's Record Shop at 728 Texas Street and meet Stan Lewis. The memories are still recurring.
DeleteI went to community college with a guy named Dennis who played in a band at the Shindig. Spent a lot of time there listening to the band. I remember Dennis wore a wig to school because long hair wasn't allowed. Always wondered what happen to Dennis.
DeleteGraduated from Fair Park in 1964. Was only seventeen but buddies and I went to a lot of the clubs on the Strip. Couldn't afford to take the girlfriends, but the guys had a blast. After I got out of the service I returned to Shreveport and became acquainted with and a friend of Sam Liberto, who operated The Hi-Lo and later Sam's Beef and Bottle. Also knew Sammy Spataro through business. Both Sam Liberto and Sammy Spataro were salt of the earth people. Sure miss all of those folks.
ReplyDeleteHow many KoKoMo Drive Ins were there in Shreveport/Bossier area?
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Bossier in the 40's and 50'. My father, Blaine Crawford, owned and operated Kickapoo #4 at the corner of Benton and Minden roads from its inception around 1926-7 until he sold it to the Spataro's in the early 60's. HE and Barney Bates were partners in all the KOKOMO's. I worked in Kickapoo and all the KOKOMO's since I was 12 years old. He also built and operated the lRevana restaurant in Bossier for years. (Sorry to be so long-winded). To answer your question, though: there were three KOKOMO's: the original one at Shed and Benton Roads, one out the Minden road across from the Baptist church, and one in the Broadmore area of south Shreveport. Yep, those were the days. There was just something about Bossier.
Deletedo you remember a dancer/bartender named alice darling? and a man by the last name Viola that was sweet on her? she worked at one of the Kickapoo bars
Deleteyou can email me at slance678@hotmail.com
At any one time there two KOKOMO'S , one in Shreveport an one in Bossier. Kings highway in Shreveport.
DeleteRed Austin's Brass Rail Lounge. Had Joe Spivey and Kenny Beard! These two were terrific. We owned that place a many a night in the late 70's and early 80's! Good Times by All!
ReplyDeletelate 50's and early 60's: norma dee at the showbar with her brenda lee sound; bill bush at the hideaway playing black r & b; the stork club in the middle was off limits to teenagers; lots of fun at these nightclubs; not as many big names as sak's but a good crowd ages 17 to 60
ReplyDeletewasn't the bossier strip off limits for air force members?
ReplyDeleteI believe the Strip was off limits to members of the Air Force back in the 1960's, but as long as they wore their civvies and behaved themselves I don't think it was enforced too strictly. I frequented a lot of bars in the 1960's in Bossier City and never recall seeing any AP's on the prowl.
DeleteDoes anyone remember singer Dixie Vogel? She worked at the Diamond Head as a vocalist and went on to NY eventually working that area; back in Texas now after a varied career including being a truck driver.
ReplyDeleteDid she go by Dixie Able?? Pretty blond with pretty good voice? Used to sing with band in Turf Club... Dave P
DeleteDoes anyone remember at go-go dancer named Valerie Golden ?
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember at go-go dancer named Valerie Golden ?
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember at go-go dancer named Valerie Golden ?
ReplyDeleteBeing stationed at HQ 2AF, BAFB '67 thru '70, I remember well the clubs, the Torch, the Turf, Saks Whisk-a-go-go as it was called then. Yes, they were all run by some degree of "connected people". You enjoyed the music, drinks, and the hospitality. Servicemen were treated well as long as you behaved. Spent my honeymoon at the Best Western which had waterbeds in the rooms. If you wanted breakfast and you happened to be in uniform, you could eat at the old Kelly's Truck Stop which was on 80 right near the end of the runway. Always a hearts or rummy game going as long as they didn't need the seats, and always KWKH somewhere in the background. I did a lot of going up then, and would do it all over again.
ReplyDeleteI visited Barksdale AFB with the Royal Air Force in 1979, we night stopped at the Drummers Inn and spent the evening in a Blues lounge a short walk from the inn. On leaving the Lounge (rather worse for wear) we were stopped by the police as we were assisting a rather drunk individual to find his car, on finding out we were British (there were 14 of us)they arrange for several police cars to take us in to Shreveport to the only place serving food, they then took us back to the Drummers. We were up early the next morning flying to Kelly AFB San Antonio.
ReplyDeleteMy mom Evelyn Shilliday used the manage the Kickapoo in the late 60's best food ever
ReplyDeleteRoyal Air Force 1979. I think I remember you guys!! Lol
ReplyDeleteIf you dated me, what is your name?
ReplyDelete😊
From MN, I enlisted in the USAF in 1962 and was stationed at BAFB '63 - '66. That is where I grew up - and introduced to "Sin City" with all of my good GI buds who are still best buddies today. We come back for 2 AMMS reunion every two years but with great sadness that the "Strip" and Shreveport/BC is a shell of it's former self. One could say that the music died with the closure of the strip and the LA Hayride. What wonderful old times and memories!
ReplyDeletePlayed music in the Turf Clun Summer of '62 - staying in the Kickapoo motel... Drummer was Tubby something, GENE Chance, maybe David Bailey. Me blowing horn... 18 years old and losing my mind!!! David Phillips - Minden Class of '62.
ReplyDeleteMy mom worked the bossier strip back in the 60’s and dated a guy who was stationed at barks dale air force base his name was glen guide he went by ski my mom was better davis
DeleteHooked up with RAM Records - Myra Smith and girl singer named Margaret Lewis. Army got me, but I see Margaret did ok. Checked her out on the internet.."What Happened to you."
ReplyDeleteDavid Phillips Playing Swamp Pop in Lake Charles these days.
Does anyone remember a b-girl by the name of Deb Bell from 69
ReplyDeleteActually she went by Debbie Bell and she was from Alabama I believe
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember my good friend June Robinson who worked wirh me for Sam Liberto at the Hi Lo in 69 and 70? She was from Port Arthur Texas, went to school with Janis Joplin there.
ReplyDeleteThis is June Robinsons son, Brent. She was unable to reply so I am trying. Her email is jcwtx@yahoo.com.
DeleteI was a bartender [w/following] at numerous bars on 'the strip', which my Mom used to refer to as 'little Las Vegas' in her time; my time frame there was during the early '70's to early '80's. I worked the Hi-Lo under Bonnie, the Hi0Lo owner's last name was Bonner [I understood the Bonner family was from somewhere in TX] and had a brother named Thad who frequented the place, another floor girl was named Donna who went to hi-school w/Terry Bradshaw. I worked for Margeaux at the Rendevouz Longe, I worked for Jimmy at the Longbranch, and many other lounges of the time. I also visited and remember all too well many lounges across the river in S'port. Back then I was a short, blue-eyed brunette [still am, but not the hair color,LOL]. I am not a user of facebook or blog or any of that, if anyone wishes to contact me, all I know to do is I'll check back on this link periodically. Chances are I might know some of you who have posted on here. I enjoyed reading all your memories, brought back many for me. M A
ReplyDeleteHas anyone started a Bossier City Strip Facebook Page? That would be an easy way to follow this feed.
Deletedo you remember a bartender/dancer named Alice Darling? I think she worked at the Kickapoo. Hung out with a guy last name Viola?
DeleteMy mom stayed at Kickapoo a lot and worked every bar on the strip
DeleteDoes anyone remember a real dump at the end of the Strip by the name of the Stall ? Brice Chanel at the Boom Boom Room sing his only big hit of "Hey Baby"?
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember a real dump at the end of the Strip by the name of the Stall ? Brice Chanel at the Boom Boom Room sing his only big hit of "Hey Baby"?
ReplyDeleteMy dad played bass for different bands on the strip and other clubs throughout La during the 50's and 60's. I remember sneaking in a bar or 2 and watching the door constantly hoping he wouldn't see me (us) as we were under age. Never got caught. Remember many a wild story he told about the strip too. Great era to have survived.
ReplyDeleteHi Brent!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear from you.
I sent an email. I hope she got it.
Anyone remember the names of any clubs for jazz or Blues on the strip in the sixties? I remember at least one where the musicians were as good as in New Orleans....
ReplyDeleteSpiro
I was at Barksdale from Oct 64-July 65. Mostly hung out at the Orbit Lounge. Met Barbara Henley (sister of Larry Henley of Newbeats) who sang there (with Danny & Jerry, I think) and we married in 65. Wanda was one of the bartendresses there, don't remember her last name, but she was a sweetheart. Barb worked at several clubs on the Strip. I do remember the Kickapoo and Shindig and the Blues club next door to the Orbit. Remember Barb talking about Gus. Don't remember the name of the Orbit owner. Had some great times there, some that I don't remember!
ReplyDeleteMartin and Fanny (can't remember their last names) owned the Orbit Lounge. I played in the band at night and bartended during the day. At closing times, Martin and I used to visit the after hours joints where Martin would get passing out drunk. He always carried the money bag with him, so Fanny made me go with him to watch after him and the money.
DeleteI believe Hendon was their last name
DeleteMy mom worked the bossier strip in the 60's her names was betty davis she lived at the kickapoo and some ladys house behind pat goings in bossier city. I wont to find out information about my mom ... i have searched everywhere she worked every club on the strip in the 60's please if any one has photos of my mom are in please email me terribatt@gmsil.com
ReplyDeleteMy mom worked the bossier strip in the 60's her names was betty davis she lived at the kickapoo and some ladys house behind pat goings in bossier city. I wont to find out information about my mom ... i have searched everywhere she worked every club on the strip in the 60's please if any one has photos of my mom are in please email me terribatt@gmsil.com
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI worked at Stan's Record Shop in 1968-69 in the warehouse filling record orders from all over the south. My best times in Bossier City were at The Orbit Lounge right outside of Barksdale AFB. Of course, we went to Sak's as well. I dated two members of the house band at the Orbit, Van Roblow and Terry Collins. Van has passed on, don't know about Terry. We had a really good time in those days!
ReplyDeleteHmm. Wonder if that's the same Terry Collins I dated at Blues Lounge in 76. LOL. ;)
DeleteTerry dated a few.lol
DeleteFor you guys that remember Danny and Jerry, we recorded this record in 1964 were performing it on the strip.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZ0Wui6WDJE
Do you remember their anthem. Cherry Pie?
Deletedoes anyone remember a fellow by the name of Viola or Violi that used to hang out around the kickapoo in the late 60s early 70s?
ReplyDeletemight have been sweet on a kickapoo bartender named Alice?
That was the owners son's. Mrs Viola owned the Kickapoo. Her sons were Jimmy and Kenny Viola. Twin brothers.
DeleteAfter divorced my dad moved to Bossier. Bought several duplex apartments on McArthur Dr . McArthur is one block W of Benton Rd. Couple of blocks S of Hwy 80. We spent a lot of time at the Kickapoo. I still remember RT slinging his mop along. Wish I knew what his name was.
DeleteAnonymous, the twins were too young to be who I am looking for. It had to be their dad or uncles. Really I am interested in anyone who knows any of Alice Darlings Shockley's boyfriends.
DeleteI was a late comer to The Strip in Bossier - about 1977. My cousin (from Shreveport) and I went with an older friend who had been there several times. Went to the Shindig...became brief friends with a couple of favorite topless dancers. Can't say we had opportunity to experience The Strip in all its "glory", but good to know we had the time we had there and part of north Louisiana history.
ReplyDeleteIt was in full swing when me & my brother & our friends all used to frequent the Strip. We were all underage too ! The first time my brother went to Kim's Lounge, I, who was 17,got him in, he wore shades and mascara on his blonde peach fuzz moustache ! Lol ! Good times.... ;)
ReplyDeleteWho owned Kim’s?
DeleteSylvia there were several Viola's around the kinckapoo was it Roe
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, can you email me about Viola's that were around during that time??
Deleteslance678@hotmail.com
I am looking for someone who knew my mother Betty Davis she worked all over the strip and dated a guy name ski
ReplyDeleteI loved the late 70s into the 80s. Went out to Micheal, vertigo, cowboys, denim and diamonds, circle in the square, Humphreys watched E. T. and Van company. Ate at Nan Kings, and studio steak house. Was door cashier later at Micheal, Cowboys, an Vertigo
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother was a bartender at the tap room! I remember when town and country was a nice place
ReplyDeleteI remember the bossier strip from when I was a little girl,my grandmother and grandad Ray and Dorene vines use to have a bar in old bossier,daddy Ray was stationed at barksdale ,he was a master Sargent worked in that building on base with no windows where all the secret stuff happens,he was a Mason and a Shriner,and it started with a d I think but my dad use to go to all those bars and dance his ass off dance on top the bars so I've heard Jerry,then my uncle Rodger,use to manage blues back in the day,a real lady's man he was ,daddy use to talk about those pinball machines how they use to put dimes in and they would win money??? That back when bossier and Shreveport was kicking ,I went to Kokomo,and a place called the studio where they had the best shrimp!!! Those were the days
ReplyDeleteAh this brings back many fond memories of my misspent youth..I was a junior in high school in 1967 and had my first drink at a club on the strip where they have the thrift shop now don't remember the name but that was the first club I ever went in.In later years,I became good friends with several owners of the clubs on the strip who owned clubs with names like the Black Knight, Fountain, Torch, Kim's, Saks..The most successful club owner was named Merle Kimmberly..his first Club was Kim's (remember Danny & Jerry),when it burned down he used the money and opened Saks, when it burned down he moved to Shreveport and opened the Sandpiper on Monkhouse in Shreveport, it burned down also..later in life I ran into him when I shot trap competitively at the Shreveport Gun Club..he told me the inside scoop about the strip..I asked him about his clubs history of burning down..he told me he knew a guy in Houston named Rudy and he could burn a brick down to ashes..I always suspected that the mob was involved and he confirmed it..if you were vouched for you could get the inside track on the working girls.most were B-drinkers drinking ginger ale they called Pink Squirrels that were twice the price of your mixed drink and the girls got 50% kickback on the price of each drink they hustled..the working girls were at Saks,Fountain,& Torch..I lost my virginity at one of the strip hotels..I can't remember the name of the Steak House right before Kickapoo..if you took one of the dancers for a steak there after work and you were vouched for (if you had any money left) they would take you back to one of the strip motel rooms where most stayed..I can still taste those fried shrimp that the Ko Ko Mo served..across from the Ko Ko Mo was the Don Drive in and they showed XXX rated movies at mid-night on Saturdays..The best Bar-B-Que sandwiches were at Harry's..you could have the car hops bring you cold beers at the Amber Inn...There was an mob connected lawyer name Mike Marron whose office was at the Western Hills Motel..he handled all the Club owners legal troubles..the Clubs that didn't grease the Bossier vice cops were always getting busted for allowing B-Drinking..I patronized strip clubs for over twenty years..when I was older and became active in a family business and had to entertain customers; before the track opened, it was my go to place and most customers requested it when they could get out for awhile at night to be entertained..by that time I was well know by all and had a black book with over thirty names of dancers and working girls..during my 30 or so years running up and down the strip I spent a fortune probably in the mid five figures..those were the days..the girls are still there but the names have changed..in it's hey day it was just.like little Vegas..if you knew the right people you could find anything you wanted for a price, girls, drugs,loan sharks, dice and card games..those were the days my friend..I thought they would never end but nothing last forever but rocks!
ReplyDeleteLived on the strip in 1978 with my Air Force buddy.So much fun I can't remember much! Disco down!!!
ReplyDeleteI played my first gig in Bossier at the Diamond Head Lounge in the winter of 1962. It was a totally different experience to work on the strip and being a customer on the strip. I suppose that's true of everything. My friends were the Mafia related guys that ran everything. Mike Maroon was a fiend, met Carlos Marcelos once, and I also worked for Sam Craig, Gus Theodos, Taglavore, Roger (something or other at the Ramada) and Merle Kimberly of course. If you worked the strip long enough you worked for Merle at least once. Most everyone I knew is dead now. If I had it to do all over again, I think I would have skipped it. The strip ruined a lot of lives.
ReplyDeleteFuqua's wasn't a Harley dealer, that was Wallace H-D in S'port. Fuqua's was a BSA dealer, also other English & Italian motorcycles
ReplyDeleteEd was a bikers biker! He sold used Harleys and kept all makes of bikes running! I was stationed at Barksdale from 1956-1959! I had a 52 H D panhead at that time, and a lot of us hung out at Fhquas! There was a white eagles club in shreveport at that time also!
DeleteYou have that backwards. The BSA shop was on Barksdale Blvd., Fuques was at hiway 80 and Benton Rd., across from the Kickapoo.
DeleteIn 1967 I was 18 from CA visiting my family stationed at Barksdale AFB. One visit to the strip completely blew my mind. I almost transferred to LA Tech so I could be closer to it. Glad I didn’t as I probably wouldn’t have made it thru college. Sex, booze and great nightclubs. The girls and women have never been topped even to this day 55 yrs later.
ReplyDeleteAnyone remember The Paddock Bar across from La. Downs? Lots of track workers hung out there. I'm a Yankee, but I wound up living in Red Chute 77to79. I could write a book about all the good times and great people I met there. Even ate at the Kikapoo a few times!
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have a picture of the Stagecoach? I believe I have found the sign that was mounted outside of it. It's huge, 10' tall, 15' long and appears to have been covered in Neon. I'd love to find a picture of it if possible. If anyone has one, my email is my65cuda@aol.com
ReplyDeleteDe Bo from CT - Bet you saw mw playing the drums while you were visiting the Shindig, Diamonhead, The Orbit...
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember Harry Bumgardner ,owner of hurricane lounge & barbecue sandwich shop on east Texas street
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember harry bumgardner owner of hurricane lounge & and the barbecue sandwich shop
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember Alice Darling? I think she may have been a dancer and worked and lived at the Kickapoo around 1973-74-75ish
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ReplyDeleteNEED A LOAN?
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Who owned the Hurricane Lounge
ReplyDeleteWho owned Kim’s! I believe it was Sam Craig.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember The Drummer's Inn, later remained "Michael's" on E. Texas? I was stationed at Barksdale from 1980-85, and remember a big Group of us from the Base Hospital having many great times there.
ReplyDeleteHi. I ran across this page, specifically the post regarding The Turf.. My dad owned the turf.. he passed away last night and I've spent the day looking for old pictures and just .. memories.. He owned a domino parlor, the Double Six.. dominoes in the front room, poker game in the back. I grew up around the table.. most of the buddies he ran with in those days have passed away. But if anyone remembers my dad, I'd love to hear a memory.. His name was Jeff Stewart.. His friends around that time were little red, burt, mike james, buddy hall, leftie, frenchie, little wayne, dick, .. too many to mention.
ReplyDeleteGood or bad, you are a different kind of person when at 16,17,18 you grow up in places like the strip. Excellent training for the Navy. I just remembered those small beers. No wonder we never got drunk.
ReplyDelete