Storyville was a Boston nightclub and music venue opened by Boston, Massachusetts native jazz promoter and producer George Wein during the 1940s. Ahead of its time, it was a magnet for music titans like Billy Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, Lennie Tristano, and Dave Brubeck who performed there regularly. Holiday even recorded an album, “Billie Holiday at Storyville,” at the club. The club took its name from the country’s first Red Light District in New Orleans. Storyville was known for being the place where jazz truly came into its own, amidst the pleasures and vices of brothels and clubs, music of all kinds, including cabaret, found free expression in the rebellious culture of the neighborhood.
It was first located in the Copley Square Hotel, but was soon relocated to Harvard Square. In 1950, it was relocated again to the Hotel Buckminster in Kenmore Square.[1][2]
Storyville's Kenmore Square location is now occupied by a Pizzeria Uno restaurant. In September 2011, a new nightclub opened in Back Bay using the name of Storyville.