Filmmaker and podcast host Rhym Guissé spent more than 2 years digging into the life of Charlie Fitzgerald—chasing leads, talking with locals, and peeling back the layers of a man both famous and elusive.
In this Q&A, she shares more about Charlie’s legacy, the club he built, and the enduring impact of Charlie’s Place on Myrtle Beach and American history.
Q: Who was Charlie Fitzgerald?
Charlie Fitzgerald is a legend and mystery in the Black community of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He was an entrepreneur and visionary and a man who fought the Ku Klux Klan and won.
Charlie was the owner of Charlie’s Place, a legendary 1950s nightclub in Myrtle Beach that broke barriers during segregation by welcoming both Black and white patrons to dance, socialize, and celebrate jazz and blues music. Alongside his wife, Sarah, Charlie transformed their club into a safe haven for some of the greatest musicians of the era, a beacon of joy, and a stand for inclusion during a time of division. They were visionaries who used music and community to pave the way for greater connection and understanding. Though this all changed on one fateful night when Charlie was attacked for the waves he made, and the power he had.
Charlie Fitzgerald’s story is one of intrigue and ambition, making him not just a figure of the past but an enduring symbol of determination.
Q: What was Charlie’s Place and what role did it play for the Black community in Myrtle Beach?
Charlie’s Place wasn’t just a nightclub—it was the heartbeat and cultural hub for Black people in Myrtle Beach during a time when the world wasn’t always welcoming. It was a place where Black musicians and dancers could express their freedom, joy, and resilience. It was pulsating with life, creativity, and defiance—a legacy that still inspires today.
Q: Why is this story important to share?
Sharing the story of Charlie Fitzgerald and Charlie’s Place is about honoring a powerful yet often overlooked piece of American history. The podcast series explores the vibrancy of Black culture in the 1950s South, and the forces trying to suppress it. Though largely unknown today, Charlie’s Place had a lasting impact on music, community, and civil rights history.
One of our goals in creating the podcast is to preserve that legacy and bring national attention to Charlie’s Place. This is a story of resilience, unity, and the transformative power of music—one that still resonates today. By telling Charlie’s story, we not only honor those who came before us but also remind future generations of the importance of standing up for justice, even in the face of adversity.
Q: Who performed at Charlie’s Place?
Charlie’s Place hosted a legendary lineup of performers, many of whom were pioneers in jazz, R&B, and early rock and roll. Some of the most notable artists who performed there include:
These artists performed on the Chitlin’ Circuit and helped shape the sound of American music. Charlie’s Place gave them a platform at a time when racial segregation prevented them from performing in most mainstream venues, making the club not just a music hotspot but also a powerful symbol of community and perseverance.
Q: What relevance does Charlie’s Place have now?
Charlie’s Place remains deeply relevant today as both a historic landmark and a symbol of cultural resilience, racial progress, and community empowerment. In a time when conversations about racial justice and inclusion are still ongoing, the story of Charlie’s Place reminds us of the power of music, community, and courage to bring people together. It stands as a testament to the strength of the Black community during the Jim Crow era and the importance of preserving spaces that foster unity and expression.
Efforts to restore and commemorate Charlie’s Place — including turning it into a community center and museum — reflect a broader movement to reclaim and celebrate Black history that has long been overlooked. Its legacy inspires new generations to recognize the value of shared cultural spaces, honor the contributions of Black artists and entrepreneurs, and continue working toward a more inclusive and connected society.
Q: Were there any surprises while reporting and researching for the podcast?
There were a few surprises during my research and reporting for the podcast. I learned that Charlie Fitzgerald and his wife were among the first Black people in South Carolina to register to vote — a bold and historic act during a time when such actions could come with serious consequences. They requested to keep their names out of the public registry out of fear for their safety. During the Jim Crow era, Black individuals who registered to vote often faced serious risks, including harassment, discrimination and threats to their livelihood from those seeking to uphold segregation and suppress their voices.
By asking for their names to be withheld, the Fitzgeralds were protecting themselves, their business, and their community while still taking a courageous stand for civil rights. It highlights the constant tension Black citizens faced between pushing for progress and ensuring personal safety in an oppressive and dangerous system. Their decision shows the quiet bravery of individuals who made progress through courage and determination.
Q: How much of Charlie Fitzgerald’s influence remains in the region today?
Charlie Fitzgerald’s influence still echoes throughout the Myrtle Beach region, particularly in the ways his legacy continues to inspire community pride, cultural preservation, and conversations about social justice. While the original Charlie’s Place no longer operates as a nightclub, efforts to preserve the site — including the restoration of the motel next door and the development of a community center — reflect the enduring impact of what Charlie built. His commitment to inclusion, artistry, and entrepreneurship during a time of deep racial division left a powerful mark on the local Black community and the broader cultural history of the South.
Today, Fitzgerald’s influence lives on through historical markers, educational programs, and storytelling initiatives that honor the significance of Charlie’s Place. His vision of a space where people could come together, regardless of race, to celebrate music and life is still relevant — and serves as a model for unity and resilience in the region and beyond.
Charlie's Place is a podcast series co-produced by Atlas Obscura and Rococo Punch in partnership with Pushkin Industries and Visit Myrtle Beach. Hosted by filmmaker Rhym Guissé, the show uncovers the hidden history of a legendary Black nightclub in Jim Crow-era South Carolina—and the people who made it a symbol of culture, resistance, and community. Starting July 21st, binge the entire season early and ad-free by subscribing to Pushkin+. Sign up on the Charlie's Place show page on Apple Podcasts or at pushkin.fm/plus.
