As Channel 5 turns 70, we remember the RnB show of the 1960s

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — As NewsChannel 5 celebrates its 70th anniversary, we’re bringing you stories from our station’s history. This month marks the 60th anniversary of a special program produced and broadcast by our station. It was October 1964; the debut of a show that helped launch stars and was part of a cultural movement.

“85 (years) and counting!” laughed artist Jimmy Church as he prepared to rehearse for a concert with his band.

Jimmy certainly said that life had taught him something.

“Music is something that doesn’t really have color,” Jimmy said. “It’s a feeling. The message is reaching the people at the bottom of the gutter and the presidency. Music connects.”

1964; a few years before the interstate came to the area, Jefferson Street was a thriving place for black business and music.

“Jefferson Street was like Beale Street in Memphis,” Jimmy recalled. “They had clubs. Everyone played there.”

“We were in the days of segregation, Jim Crow,” said Lorenzo Washington, owner of the Jefferson Street Sound Museum. “Many artists were afraid to travel.”

Those who did still needed the Green Book; a list of safe places to stay and eat for black travelers.

“You knew what to do,” Jimmy said. – You knew what not to do.

Nashville radio DJ Noble Blackwell stepped into the case.

“He was like Ed Sullivan around here for us,” Lorenzo said.

Noble met with the general manager of Channel 5, then called WLAC. Noble came up with the idea of ​​quitting him.

“He was going to be on a black TV show,” Jimmy said. “Noble went to Channel 5. ‘We’d like to buy something for our kids, black kids.’ The guy said, “Well, Noble. First of all, we have no sponsors.” Noble said, “I’ll take care of the sponsors.”

In October 1964, the play Night Train began.

“He had tremendous charisma,” said Noble Blackwell’s daughter, Tracye Blackwell-Johnson. “People loved my father. This can only be attributed to his character.”

“It just shines through the camera,” added Noble’s granddaughter, Diamond Johnson. “There were many sayings and sayings of his. «In the meantime and in between. Take special care of yourself and be good to your neighbor!»”

“Nashville was part of the Chitlin Circuit, and the Chitlin Circuit was all over the Southeast,” Lorenzo said.

This meant that “Night Train” would feature major artists visiting the city. The list included James Brown, Little Richard, BB King, Gladys Knight and Otis Redding.

Additionally, international distribution was an unrivaled showcase for all local Jefferson Street artists like Jimmy.

“It was exciting! TV show?” Jimmy recalled his appearances on “Night Train.” “It just opened the door. It showed Black talent. The night train was it!”

“If they were on TV, (acts) could get a job,” Lorenzo added. “Everyone who went to Night Train back then turned out to be the best contestant on the show that night.”

Also on the scene was a performer who had been playing locally just a few years before his breakthrough.

“Jimi Hendrix was wearing a suit and tie!” Lorenzo laughed.

Something was happening. People listened to Night Train and it wasn’t just black audiences. The show was part of a national cultural shift.

“That was in 1964,” Tracye said. “There was still a lot of racial tension and white audiences still considered black music taboo. Her popularity started to permeate.”

“When the whites got involved, it took it to another level,” Jimmy added.

“Since it was a syndicated show and RnB was gaining global acceptance, Night Train helped promote it,” Tracye continued.

Noble Train ended in 1967. Noble continued a long career in broadcasting. He died in 1994.

Years after performing on “Night Train,” Jimmy is proud not only to still be performing, but also to have the chance to see firsthand the impact music can have.

“You know, I’m just happy to be a part of it,” Jimmy said.

The Noble Blackwell family is featured in an upcoming documentary series. More about the project can be found on the website.

Do you have positive, good news? You can contact me at [email protected].

Middle Tennessee Schools Earn 2024 National Blue Ribbon Award for Academic Excellence

There are lots of great schools in our area. Congratulations to four midstate schools that received National Blue Ribbons for academic excellence. They were one of six in Tennessee to receive this honor. They were among 356 schools across the United States recognized by the U.S. Department of Education!

-Lelan Statom