Leroy's Showcase Lounge

It's Where We Drink

by Will Dean

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Published: May 16, 2007

Many years ago, the bright red carpet at West Philly's Leroy's Showcase Lounge was regularly trod upon by some of our favorite acts: Harry Melvin & the Blue Notes, the O'Jays, the Staple Singers and Patti LaBelle, to name a few.

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"Cars used to pull up outside and all the furs would come out," says bartender Easter Watson.

Legend has it that stars loved the lounge atmosphere and welcomed the chance to unwind in friendly environs. Many of the performers, like LaBelle, hailed from West Philly, so drinking at Leroy's was like coming home. Low lighting, plenty of seating and a list of rules on the wall ("You've got to come in here with your hat on forwards," says Watson) kept Leroy's a classy joint befitting a Philly soul � not that Philly Soul � superstar.

But, after the soul scene stagnated in the late 1980s, the red carpet left, as did founder Leroy, who passed away in 2001. But the neighborhood joint hasn't forgotten its roots. Every weekend, as patrons drink, DJ Danophonic spins plenty of classic soul, R&B and oldies � timeless recordings from the very stars who were once patrons themselves.

 

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