Royal Peacock

Providing a space for everthing from entertainment to organizing work, the Royal Peacock is a historic gathering place for Atlanta's primarily African-American community. On Tuesday nights, the Free the People movements and POCC conduct their Feed the People program in the building.

THE ROYAL PEACOCK

History

In 1949, Carrie Cunningham opened the Royal Peacock at the site of the former Top Hat Club. She named her club the Royal Peacock because of her love of the exotic bird. “Mama” Cunningham, herself a former circus performer, adorned herself with peacock pins, earrings, and fabrics. It is reported that at one time peacock feathers streamed from the upper windows of the building. The carpeted dance floor was surrounded by tables and booths enough to accommodate nearly 350 patrons.

Her club was the crown jewel of Atlanta’s rhythm and blues scene, attracting top acts. Harry Belafonte, Jr., Aretha Franklin, and the Supremes all had their first Atlanta appearances there. Ray Charles, Otis Redding, Ike and Tina Turner, and Sam Cooke all took a turn on stage.

Information from Women on Auburn Ave.

Today

While there are several places in Atlanta featuring live entertainment, The Royal Peacock is still one of the most exciting nightclubs. This legendary hot spot is still located at 186 Auburn Avenue in the historical Sweet Auburn district downtown Atlanta. The Royal Peacock now provides world class entertainment specializing in Caribbean beats, rhythms, and melodies.

Under the ownership of Stokley "Father Stokes" Callendar the Royal Peacock has seen the legends of dancehall and reggae music also grace her stage. Artists such as Burning Spear, Freddie McGregor, Tony Rebel, Johnny Osbourne, Brigadier Jerry, Joses Wales, Anthony B, Morris Man, Andrew Bell, Bush Man, Mad Cobra, Patra, Assassin, Warrior King, Bling Dwag, Lutan Fyah and numerous others have all performed there to the delight of many. Atlanta's rising stars The Rude Boys International (RBI), Mad Tempa, Shooks, Bia Steel, and Ras Valcano all hone their skills within the four walls of the Peacock as it is affectionately known.

Some of the world's most famous sound systems including Downbeat, Killamanjaro, Metro Media, Stone Love, Bass Odyssey, Stone Wall, LP International have all played at the Royal Peacock. 2002 Atlanta Cup Champions King Apocalypse, 2001 Atlanta sound of the year Unity Sounds, and other talented Atlanta based sounds have kept the dance floor of the Peacock in full swing.

You can find the doors of the Royal Peacock open every Thursday night through Sunday night. The Peacock's website will be up to provide more information about his spot, which is draped in African American and West Indian Culture.

Information from Highlanda.

For more information, please visit the following site(s):

Historic Royal Peacock, Women on Auburn Ave.

Contemporary Royal Peacock, Highlanda