Imperial Room Stage Heritage Property Plaque, 2020.
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Original JPG File7350 × 4650 pixels (34.18 MP) 62.2 cm × 39.4 cm @ 300 PPI 3.6 MB |
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Resource ID
8196
Access
Open
Address
100 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E3
Date of Creation
2020
Historical Themes
Architectural Heritage, Black Heritage, Entertainment and Leisure, Music History
Program Category
Historical Plaques
Time Period
1900-1953, 1954-1998
Caption
Imperial Room Stage Heritage Property Plaque, 2020.
Description
Countless major performing artists have played this famous stage. From the 1960s to the 1980s, the Imperial Room was a popular nightclub featuring top entertainers from around the world. Moxie Whitney and his orchestra were the house big band for many years. In the 1960s, the first people of colour played the Imperial and Black Knight rooms, ending an unwritten policy that restricted who performed in the hotel. Dress code and conduct were strictly enforced: long-time maître d’ of the Imperial and Black Knight rooms Louis Jannetta loaned Bob Dylan a jacket and tie, and King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía of Spain were politely reminded not to talk during a show. Famous performers who have played the Imperial Room stage include Pearl Bailey, Count Basie, Tony Bennett, Duke Ellington, Eartha Kitt, Peggy Lee, Buddy Rich, and Sonny and Cher.