Charlie’s Place Podcast Explores How Music United Races in the Jim Crow South

In a time when segregation was the law of the land and division defined daily life, one nightclub in Myrtle Beach dared to defy the status quo. Charlie’s Place was more than just a venue—it was a sanctuary for music, freedom, and unity.

Discover the untold story of Charlie’s Place, a nightclub that defied segregation in 1940s South Carolina. The new podcast explores unity, music, and resistance.

Now, a powerful new podcast titled “Charlie’s Place” brings this groundbreaking story to life, inviting listeners to step back into a pivotal moment in America’s cultural history.

Produced in partnership with Atlas Obscura, Rococo Punch, Malcolm Gladwell’s Pushkin Industries, and Visit Myrtle Beach, this five-part series dives deep into the life, struggles, and triumphs of Charlie Fitzgerald and the venue that became a beacon of hope in the Jim Crow South.

Table of Contents

The Visionary Behind the Movement: Charlie Fitzgerald

Charlie Fitzgerald wasn’t just a businessman—he was a visionary.

A prominent Black entrepreneur in the 1940s and 50s, Fitzgerald owned and operated Charlie’s Place, a nightclub that defied racial segregation in South Carolina. At a time when simply socializing across racial lines could result in violence, Charlie dared to create a place where Black and White people danced, sang, and celebrated side by side.

Who Was Charlie Fitzgerald?

An enigmatic figure in South Carolina history
A powerful Black businessman during a racially divided era
Passionate about music and racial harmony
Known for his resilience and bold resistance against racial hate

Fitzgerald’s past may remain partially cloaked in mystery, but his impact on the community and civil rights history is crystal clear.

A Sound That Ignored Color Lines

Music has long been a tool for healing, expression, and rebellion—and Charlie’s Place harnessed all three.

Legendary Performers Who Graced the Stage:

🎶 Ray Charles
🎷 Count Basie
🎤 Little Richard
🎹 Duke Ellington
🎼 Lena Horne
🎙️ Ella Fitzgerald

Despite rigid segregation laws, Fitzgerald’s nightclub welcomed all who came for the rhythm and the soul.

The podcast explores how these performances weren’t just musical milestones—they were moments of resistance, liberation, and community formation.

Violence, Resistance, and the Ku Klux Klan Attack

Of course, this harmony didn’t come without a price.

Charlie’s Place was targeted by one of the most dangerous hate groups in American history: the Ku Klux Klan. In the dead of night, Klan members launched a violent raid on the nightclub in an attempt to extinguish what it represented—unity.

What Happened?

Armed KKK members attacked the club in 1950
Charlie Fitzgerald was severely beaten but survived
The community rallied in the aftermath, refusing to let fear win

This moment is a chilling reminder of the threats that existed for anyone daring to challenge racial hierarchies. But it also marks Fitzgerald’s unwavering courage—and the resilience of the community that stood with him.

Cultural Renaissance Amid Oppression

The podcast does more than recount a series of events. It paints a picture of a vibrant cultural hub that transformed Myrtle Beach.

Why Charlie’s Place Mattered:

It was one of the few venues in the segregated South welcoming both Black and White patrons
It fostered cross-racial friendships and collaborations in music
It played a key role in introducing jazz and R&B to wider audiences
It served as a refuge of dignity and joy for Black Carolinians

In an era defined by division, Charlie’s Place offered a radical alternative: togetherness.

Rhym Guissé: A Storyteller Reclaiming History

At the helm of this podcast project is Rhym Guissé, a filmmaker and creative deeply invested in cultural preservation.

Her narrative approach blends archival research with rich oral storytelling, seamlessly stitching together past and present.

In Her Words:

“Storytelling isn’t just creative work — it’s about honouring culture and history, and I feel truly honoured to carry that responsibility.”

Guissé’s voice guides the listener through decades of overlooked stories, inviting empathy and reflection at every turn.

Behind the Scenes: The Making of the Podcast

This podcast isn’t just an audio documentary—it’s a labor of love backed by notable production teams.

Collaborators Behind the Mic:

Atlas Obscura: known for illuminating hidden histories
Rococo Punch: award-winning podcast production company
Pushkin Industries: founded by Malcolm Gladwell, master of narrative journalism
Visit Myrtle Beach: invested in cultural storytelling and heritage tourism

From the scripting to the sound design, each element is curated to educate, inspire, and immerse.

Legacy, Tourism, and Today’s Myrtle Beach

Today, Myrtle Beach is widely known as a sunny vacation destination. But hidden behind the oceanfront resorts is a rich history of cultural resistance—and Charlie’s Place is finally getting the spotlight it deserves.

Stuart Butler, President of Visit Myrtle Beach, Says:

“Charlie’s Place is a meaningful part of Myrtle Beach’s history that reminds us of the power of community and the importance of coming together, even in the hardest times.”

Modern efforts are being made to preserve and promote the site, including restoration projects, community events, and tourist initiatives aimed at cultural education.

How To Listen: Where and When to Tune In

The podcast launched on 21 July 2025, with new episodes released weekly on major platforms.

Platforms Available:

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Google Podcasts
Amazon Music
Stitcher
Audible

Listeners can also visit the official Charlie’s Place podcast page for more behind-the-scenes content and interviews.

Conclusion: Reclaiming Joy Through Storytelling

At its heart, the Charlie’s Place podcast is not just a history lesson—it’s a tribute to courage, creativity, and the power of music to dismantle barriers.

By reclaiming stories that were long overlooked, this podcast shines a necessary light on a place—and a man—that changed the cultural landscape of the American South.

In amplifying Charlie Fitzgerald’s legacy, the series calls on us all to honor the past, celebrate resilience, and keep dancing toward unity.