This post has a very special musical accompaniment! Alan Lomax, the famed archivist, interviewed Rosalind Johnson in 1970 about living and working in New Orleans’ Storyville district back in its heyday. She performs When the Pale Moon Shines.

This is the interior of the Terminal Café in the Storyville district of New Orleans, back in May 1911.  Notice the policemen having a drink! We had a post on Storyville, New Orleans’ infamous vice district, not too long ago!

Historical New Orleans Collection hnoc.org

Music is such a big part of New Orleans’ mythology, even the better class of brothels featured singers and musicians! This picture is from a birthday celebration for one of the madams, Josie Arlington. She’s seated on the left side of the picture. Ms. Arlington had a music room in her establishment.

Historical New Orleans Collection hnoc.org