Union Local 274, American Federation of Musicians
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Chartered 1935 after African-American musicians were denied admission to Local 77. John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie were members. At its 1971 demise, it was last predominantly Black AFM local in U.S. Union office was here.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Chartered in 1935 after African-American musicians were shut out of Philadelphia's white musicians' union, Local 274 became a home and advocate for Black performers. Its rolls included giants of modern jazz such as John Coltrane and Dizzy Gillespie, whose innovations reshaped American music. When it dissolved in 1971, it was the last predominantly Black local of the American Federation of Musicians in the country.
Why it matters
The local's rise and long life testify both to the segregation Black musicians faced and to the parallel institutions they built to protect their livelihoods and their art.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer0.9 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Hill-Physick House1.0 mi away · 321 South 4th Street
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial1.1 mi away
- Congress Hall1.1 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Hall1.1 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philosophical Hall1.1 mi away · PA
Attractions
- Italian market0.5 mi away · Christian Street
- One Liberty Observation Deck0.9 mi away
- Reading Terminal1.0 mi away
- The Universal Sphere1.1 mi away
- Liberty Bell1.1 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Chinatown Friendship Gate1.1 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden0.9 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily0.9 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon0.9 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cafe Walnut0.9 mi away · 703 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill0.9 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thank You Thank You Coffee Roasters1.0 mi away · 700 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Alexander Inn0.5 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites0.6 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City0.6 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City0.6 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express0.7 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Morris House Hotel0.8 mi away · 225 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · John Coltrane
- · Dizzy Gillespie
Themes & tags
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