Local Musician Writes a Memoir of His Experiences in Lakewood and the Catskills
Jimmy Givens, Manchester, one of the last N.J. hotel musicians from Lakewood’s hey-day, has written a book Memories of the Kentucky Club, a detailed account of his memories growing up in show business in Lakewood and the Catskills with ‘Uncle’ Max, the owner of the Kentucky Club.
Givens and his family moved to Lakewood in 1963. His parents, known as Givens & Sweetie (Jimmy Givens and nee Barbara Quinichette) were very popular and often performed three or four shows in one night either in Lakewood, the Catskills, or Miami Beach, among other places.
Their son, Jimmy Givens, began his career at age 13 when his dad could not emcee a shows and told my “Uncle” Max that “Little” Jimmy was going to emcee until they arrived! Givens said, “By then, it was 2:00 a.m.! The audience erupted when they saw my parents come down the aisle to the stage! My parents closed the show with a standing ovation and the night was over!”
Max Kurtz, his wife Rose, and their son Sheppie, along with the barmaid Enid created a nightlife in the Catskills! Sheppie used to drive all around Sullivan County with a giant speaker on the roof of his car announcing the lineup of shows at The Kentucky Club! It is my understanding that The Kentucky Club was sold and eventually burned down.
Givens said, “Living in the Catskills in the summer afforded me the opportunity to experience a most exciting life: The people, the towns, the ambiance!”
Givens is still available as a drummer any time. His Sunday night radio show Blues Cruise can be heard at 8:00 p.m. only on his website. He is a Life Member of American Federation of Musicians Local #399 Asbury Park, N.J.
His book The Kentucky Club is available for purchase via Amazon.com. For more information contact Jimmy Givens at www.jimmygivens.com.
Photos: #1 Jimmy Givens on the Drums at the Capitol Hotel, Lakewood. Taken by a guest. #2 Givens’ Motto