Here’s what remains of the legendary Royal Theater on Pennsylvania Avenue, a major stop on the famed chitlin’ circuit. The long-time pit band Tracy McCleary’s Royal Men of Rhythm. Many major artists as well as local artists performed at The Royal including Baltimore’s Royalettes who named themselves after the venue.
The Royal and many other venues along The Avenue were damaged or destroyed during the riots of 1968. The building was eventually torn down in the early ’70s.
A monument to the legendary venue was erected and is all that remains.
[Gary Leigh Brown] I have a great James Brown album recorded there, very similar to “James Brown at the Apollo” but maybe even a little better!
