Historic Hampton House

While Miami Beach was the epicenter for musicians and nightclub performances, it was Miami’s Brownsville neighborhood and the Historic Hampton House where Black performers returned after hours to celebrate when the curtains dropped. These musicians included Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole, Josephine Baker, Ella Fitzgerald and Sammy Davis, Jr. among many others. Motown Records’ founder Berry Gordy and his acts including Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye were also guests.

On the radio, DJ China Valles broadcasted a live jazz show from the motel’s club on WMBM. In addition to Ali, other star athletes frequented the Hampton House, including Jackie Robinson, Joe Louis, Bob Hayes and Althea Gibson. Beyond its celebrity sightings, the Green Book hotel was a respected local hangout for upscale clientele on weekends and on Sundays after church.