58th Street Near Broadway
Located on 58th Street near Broadway, The Club Durant was a New York City prohibition speakeasy that bore the name of the infamous Jimmy Durante, known for his peculiar sense of humor and enigmatic persona. In 1923, the speakeasy opened its doors, but initial business was lackluster until they shifted their focus to entertainment. The lineup featured the talents of the “cakewalking singer” Eddie Jackson, who was also a founding partner, the tap dancer Lou Clayton, who later became a stakeholder, and the eccentric Jimmy Durante himself. Together, they created a riotously entertaining act that began drawing in crowds. However, the partnership faced challenges when they discovered their fourth partner was embezzling funds from the establishment. Faced with this betrayal, the trio decided to abandon The Club Durant and instead opened the Parody Club. This move proved to be fortuitous, as the three entertainers found tremendous success in vaudeville and on Broadway, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and mirth.