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Ann Arbor's 'The Bird of Paradise'

I would spend many evenings at the Bird of Paradise. It was always dark in there. After all, it’s a jazz club.

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Legacies Project Oral History: Nellie Hill Trapp

Born in 1922, Nellie Harrell grew up in Richmond, Virginia. She began dancing at age 14, and moved to New York City a few years. During the height of her career as a noted singer, dancer, and entertainer, she went by her married name Nellie Hill. Hill performed in early music videos called “soundies,” appeared on the cover of Jet Magazine, and frequented Black clubs such as New York’s Kelly’s Stables and Detroit’s Flame Show Bar and 20 Grand. In the 1950s she married James Trapp and had three children. After retiring, she volunteered at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

Nellie Trapp was interviewed in partnership with the Museum of African American History of Detroit and Y Arts Detroit in 2010 as part of the Legacies Project.

Susan Chastain, owner of the Firefly Club, June 2000 Photographer: Leisa Thompson

Susan Chastain, owner of the Firefly Club, June 2000 image
Year:
2000
Published In:
Ann Arbor News, June 5, 2000
Caption:
Susan Chastain is the owner of the new jazz club, The Firefly Club, 207 S. Ashley in Ann Arbor.