In 2018, South Carolina ETV (SCETV) and PBS aired a powerful half-hour documentary as part of its award-winning Carolina Stories series. Titled simply Charlie’s Place, the episode brings the history of the legendary Myrtle Beach nightclub to life through archival photos, expert commentary, and first-person interviews with those who knew it best.
Directed by Betsy Newman and narrated by singer Marlena Smalls, the documentary explores how Charlie and Sarah Fitzgerald created a rare integrated space in the Jim Crow South—where Black and white patrons came together to enjoy music, dance the shag, and push back (sometimes quietly, sometimes boldly) against the forces of segregation.
It also dives into the violent 1950 KKK raid that marked a turning point in the club’s history—and in Myrtle Beach itself.
Many of the voices featured in the podcast also appear in the film, including local historian Roddy Brown and community icon Leroy Brunson, giving new dimension and visual context to their memories.
The episode is a vivid, accessible primer on the story behind the podcast, and a great companion for anyone who wants to see the people and places they’ve heard about in action.
Original Air Date: 2018
Runtime: 26 minutes
Produced by: Betsy Newman for SCETV
Narrated by: Marlena Smalls
Featured In: Carolina Stories series
Available on: PBS.org and SCETV
Link: Watch “Charlie’s Place” on PBS.org →
At Charlie’s Place, the music wasn’t just entertainment—it was rebellion. It was joy. It was community. In a time when segregation ruled the South, this legendary Myrtle Beach nightclub created a rare and radical space where Black and white patrons could come together to dance, celebrate, and hear the greatest artists of their era.
A young Patricia Burgess remembered the moment she stepped inside as “like stepping into another world,” with its black-and-white checkered floors and energy that felt electric. Countless others described it as magical—a place where the sound of Billie Holiday could still be heard in the breeze through the pine trees long after the last note.
The club, run by Charlie and Sarah Fitzgerald, welcomed performers from the Chitlin’ Circuit and beyond. “Oh yes, God,” Patricia said. “Ruth Brown, James Brown… girl, I seen so many people up in there.” Others recalled Little Richard, Otis Redding, and even Marvin Gaye stopping by to get his haircut next door.
The music was so powerful, it literally shook the floor. One concert was so packed and euphoric that Betty Singleton recalled “the floor was really caving in.”
It was more than a stage—it was a sanctuary. And it played host to some of the greatest names in American music history. Just a some of the many Artists Who Performed at Charlie’s Place incude:
Billie Holiday
Little Richard
James Brown
Ruth Brown
Otis Redding
Count Basie
Dizzy Gillespie
Marvin Gaye
Ella Fitzgerald
The Drifters
Roy Hamilton
Johnny Ace
Fats Domino
Wilson Pickett
Curtis Mayfield
Johnny Taylor
Roy C. Clarke
Each brought something special to Carver Street. Together, they made Charlie’s Place not just a nightclub—but a heartbeat of Black culture in the Jim Crow South.
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 was never just a nightclub. It was a cultural crossroads—a defiant, joyful space where music, movement, and community thrived against the odds. And today, you can still walk the grounds where it all happened.
Located at 1420 Carver Street in Myrtle Beach, the original site of Charlie and Sarah Fitzgerald’s club and motel has been thoughtfully restored. One room from the historic Fitzgerald Motel remains, and the nightclub space now serves as a vibrant community center and cultural venue. Interpretive signs, murals, and exhibits tell the story of what made this place so special.
Visitors are welcome Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment. Group tours are also available with advance notice.
Want an even deeper dive? Myrtle Beach History Tours offers immersive guided trolley experiences—including a dedicated Charlie’s Place tour—that explore the neighborhood’s rich Black history, its artists, and the impact of the Fitzgerald legacy.
Haven’t listened yet? Stream the podcast here and discover the people, music, and moments that made Charlie’s Place unforgettable.
Podcast Series Co-Produced by Atlas Obscura and Rococo Punch in Partnership with Pushkin Industries and Visit Myrtle Beach Debuts July 21, 2025
Myrtle Beach, S.C. — How did a Black man in the 1940s Jim Crow South open a club where Black and White people danced side by side to the tunes of music’s legendary entertainers? The answer lies in a story as unforgettable as the music that turned a nightclub into a place of unity.
Beginning Monday, July 21, 2025, CHARLIE’S PLACE, a new five-episode, documentary-style podcast series hosted by filmmaker Rhym Guissé, uncovers the unbelievable true story of a revolutionary Myrtle Beach juke joint that brought communities together through the power of music. Segregation was the law in the 1940s and 1950s, but Charlie’s Place had its own rules—Black and White people were welcome to enjoy some of the greatest musicians of our time: Little Richard, Count Basie, Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald and many more. The groundbreaking music venue became a symbol of joy, strength and hope in a divided time. In CHARLIE’S PLACE, Guissé shares the remarkable story of resilience and unity of a community and the transformative power of music.
Charlie Fitzgerald, a powerful Black businessman whose past was shrouded in mystery, was the club’s enigmatic founder who achieved the impossible—an integrated nightclub in Myrtle Beach. His success was an inspiration to many but a danger to those in power. As the club flourished, it sparked intense resistance from segregationists, leading to a raid by Ku Klux Klan members, and profound change that reverberated through the community.
The podcast takes listeners on a journey through the legendary venue’s history—revealing the truth behind its origins, the challenges it faced and the vibrant community it brought together. Interspersing interviews with historians, cultural experts and Carolinians who share firsthand accounts of growing up during the height of Charlie’s Place, Guissé tells the story of how this music venue defied segregation and what happens when people choose courage and community over division. It’s a tale of triumph and tragedy, of resilience and joy, of a place where music did more than entertain—it changed lives and shaped a movement.
“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. Preserving its legacy is about more than just remembering the past. It is about honoring the people who stood up for unity in a divided time and helping that message continue to inspire future generations,” said Stuart Butler, President, Visit Myrtle Beach.
“Working on this project showed me the beauty of preserving Black legacy with care. Storytelling isn’t just creative work — it’s about honoring culture and history, and I feel truly honored to carry that responsibility,” said Guissé.
Co-produced by Atlas Obscura, the leading travel and content community destination, Rococo Punch, the award-winning independent audio production studio known for their thoughtful storytelling and exquisite sound, and in partnership with Malcolm Gladwell’s acclaimed podcast and audiobook company, Pushkin Industries, and Visit Myrtle Beach, CHARLIE’S PLACE is a captivating exploration of an overlooked and significant chapter in American history. The first episode will air on Monday, July 21, 2025, with future episodes available weekly on all major podcast listening platforms. Starting July 21, Pushkin+ subscribers can binge the full, five-episode series ad-free. Pushkin+ subscribers can also access ad-free episodes, full audiobooks, and exclusive binges of other Pushkin content. Sign up for Pushkin+ on the Charlie's Place show page on Apple Podcasts or at pushkin.fm/plus. For more information on Charlie’s Place, visit www.charliesplaceshow.com.
Rhym Guissé is a Los Angeles-based director, actor and screenwriter whose work bridges the worlds of performance and filmmaking with a distinct emotional and cultural lens. A multidisciplinary storyteller, she brings a uniquely layered perspective informed by her experience both in front of and behind the camera. Her directing credits include high-profile promotional campaigns for Disney/Hulu and Kerry Washington's series UnPrisoned, Vanderpump Villa, a series ‘Little Lens’ airing on Nickelodeon, and a nine-part branded series for the NBA. Rhym was a fellow in the DGA’s Commercial Directing Program in 2022. Her short film Cartes is on the film festival circuit and she is currently developing two narrative feature films and a pilot. Rhym’s screenwriting has been a semifinalist at the Atlanta Film Festival, and a Diverse Voices official Screenplay Selection.
Powered by a global community of millions, Atlas Obscura is a media and experiences company dedicated to sharing the world’s hidden wonders. Atlas Obscura produces award-winning journalism and chart-topping podcasts, leads unique guided trips all around the world, and has now published three consecutive New York Times best-selling books, with over 2 million copies in print. The company was founded in 2009 as a user-created compendium of the world's most incredible places. This Atlas has grown to include more than 25,000 entries, such as the secret apartment at the top of the Eiffel Tower and the New Zealand caves lit by glow-worms.
Rococo Punch is an independent full-service podcast production company, specializing in thoughtful narrative stories and exquisite sound. Current projects range from investigative journalism to historical documentary. Their team has developed some of the most listened-to podcasts, reaching millions of people around the world. Among their shows are the Livingston-award-winning The Turning: The Sisters Who Left, Inconceivable Truth, The Turning: Room of Mirrors, Welcome to Provincetown, Finding Raffi, Queen Of Hearts and Creature Preacher. Follow @RococoPunch on Instagram and visit www.rococopunch.com for more information.
ABOUT PUSHKIN INDUSTRIES
Pushkin Industries is dedicated to producing audio in any format that challenges listeners, encourages their curiosity, and inspires joy. Or, in other words: Good, Smart, Fun. Founded in 2018, Pushkin has produced numerous podcasts that have broken into the top 10 on the Apple Podcasts chart, including Malcolm Gladwell’s hugely successful Revisionist History, as well as Against the Rules from Michael Lewis, Paul McCartney’s A Life in Lyrics, The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos, Broken Record, Tim Harford’s Cautionary Tales, The Last Archive, Deep Cover, Lost Hills and Apple’s Best Show of 2021, A Slight Change of Plans. Pushkin’s audiobook catalog includes Steve Martin’s So Many Steves, Inside Voice by Lake Bell, the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Netanyahus by Joshua Cohen, Liar’s Poker by Michael Lewis, Fauci and Higher Animals by Michael Specter, Heartbreak by Florence Williams, and Malcolm Gladwell’s Miracle and Wonder: Conversations with Paul Simon, The Bomber Mafia, and Talking to Strangers. Follow us @pushkinpods.
Myrtle Beach isn’t just a beach. It’s The Beach. Popularly known as the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is one destination made up of 14 unique communities that stretch 60 miles along the northeast coast of South Carolina. Families, couples and those in search of a warm welcome will find more than just a day at The Beach when they come together to connect and enjoy vibrant entertainment and family attractions, including world-class golf, shopping and fresh coastal Carolina cuisine. From the moment you arrive, you’ll find you belong at The Beach – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. For additional information on tourism offerings in the Myrtle Beach area, visit www.visitmyrtlebeach.com or call (888) Myrtle-1.
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.
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.
