Here I Stand: One City’s Musical History

Robert Montgomery went to relax and enjoy a drink a a local tavern in Battle Creek, Michigan. When he finished his drink, the bartender broke the glass. He would not allow his white customers to drink from the same glass a black man had used.That act of racisim in the 1949 didn’t break Robert’s spirit…it ignited a desire to have a club where black people could go, feel welcome, and enjoy themselves. He and his wife, Helen quit their jobs and opened the El Grotto Lounge. The club not only became a place blacks could come to enjoy themselves, it became a place where dreams came true.Those such as Junior Walker and the All Stars, Al Green, and even comedian Jimmie Lynch ( Dolomite’s sidekick) got their start in the small club between Detroit and Chicago. What began as a way to make a difference, became a place to make dreams come true.The history of African Americans in Battle Creek, Michigan, and those who made their musical dreams come true in the city, are shared in this third edition of Here I Stand: One City’s Musical History. Sean Hollins takes never-before-published images of Battle Creek history and musicians to create a history book that keeps the readers engaged. Sonya Hollins share of the stories of these musicians and the town, most of which has never before been published.