The Historical Daisy Theatre

The History of the Daisy Theatre

The Daisy Theatre was constructed in 1917 by Italian immigrant Sam Zerilla, as a movie house for the African-American citizens of the Mid-South. Zerilla, a former clarinetist in John Phillip Sousa's band, had previously opened the Pastime Theatre in 1909, on Beale Street. The Pastime Theatre was the area's first theatre for African-Americans. The Daisy became connected with Memphian A. Barasso's Theatre Owners Booking Association (TOBA), an organization which consisted of theatres in the south which catered to African-American audiences.

In 1929, the film "St Louis Blues", a film by W. C. Handy (left) and Kenneth W. Adams had its world premier at the Daisy. The film starred blues legend Bessie Smith (right), who had scored an international hit with the W. C. Handy composed song "St. Louis Blues" in 1925. The film was a dramatization of the song, a woman left alone by her roving man, and is the only known film of Smith.

By the 1970's the ravages of urban renewal had left Beale Street and The Historic Daisy as remnants of their past glory. The surrounding neighborhood had been demolished and its population dispersed. The Historic Daisy's sister, The New Daisy Theatre, soldiered on showing movies until the late seventies. However, Memphis civic leaders began restoring both Beale Street and the Historic Daisy in the eighties. The Historic Daisy now provides a glimpse into Beale Street's past as well as providing a future of entertainment and service as one of the premiere banquet halls in the Mid-South.

The Historic Daisy

Happy Motoring !!