“The Big Apple,” they called it. Not New York City, but a Parisian nightclub. Let me tell you about Le Big Apple and its fascinating story.
In 1937, Adelaide Hall, an American-born jazz singer, and her husband Bertram Hicks opened La Grosse Pomme. That is French for “The Big Apple”. It was located in the Pigalle area of Paris.
The club quickly became a sensation. Parisians and visitors alike flocked to experience its unique atmosphere. It was at 73 Rue Pigalle.
Adelaide Hall was a star. She brought Harlem’s jazz scene to Paris. Her club became known as the most fashionable in the city. She even choreographed her own version of the Can-Can. She called it the Canned Apple.
La Grosse Pomme employed almost 40 people. Even Bricktop, another famous performer, worked there briefly.
But Le Big Apple’s story was short-lived. With war looming, Hall and Hicks decided to sell the club. They closed its doors on December 10, 1938.
Some say Hall and Hicks coined the nickname “The Big Apple” for New York City. They may have popularized it, but the term likely originated in Harlem’s jazz scene.
Regardless, Le Big Apple left its mark on Paris. It was a place where people could gather. They could enjoy music and dance. It embodied the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance.
Imagine Maurice Chevalier, Charles Boyer, and Josephine Baker. They were all regulars at Le Big Apple. The club drew people from everywhere.
Though Le Big Apple closed after only a year, its legacy lives on. It represents a moment when American jazz captivated Paris. It reminds us of Adelaide Hall, the Queen of Montmartre.
Today, very little recalls the real Le Big Apple. However, another place in Paris now carries that name. It is a restaurant serving burgers that are good enough to make New Yorkers jealous. It may not be related to the original Le Big Apple. But both share the same spirit. They offer something new and exciting in Paris. They have a little bit of New York flair.
So, as you explore Paris, remember Le Big Apple. Remember Adelaide Hall and her contribution to the city’s vibrant culture. While the original is gone, its story continues to resonate in Paris.