Label
Councilwoman Williams
Title
Designating Murphy’s Place.
Summary
WHEREAS, Clifford T. Murphy is one of the most venerated jazz musicians to emerge from Toledo, Ohio; and
WHEREAS, Clifford was known as a “The Gentle Giant” who genuinely cared about those around him, and he was a mentor and encourager of anyone who wanted to learn about the art form of jazz music; and
WHEREAS, a native Toledoan born in 1932, Clifford was a graduate of Toledo Public Schools and he went on to serve our country in the United States Army where Mr. Murphy earned two Purple Hearts and three Bronze Stars; and
WHEREAS, a young boy Clifford would sometimes sit in the home of the great Art Tatum, who many revere as the greatest jazz pianist of all time, where he began to develop a love for the artistic and improvisational art form known as ‘jazz”; and
WHEREAS, decades later as an accomplished musician and bass player, along with his musical partner pianist Claude Black and business and life partner Joan Russel, Clifford established the legendary night club “Murphy’s Place” on Madison St. and eventually relocated the business to 151 Water St., in downtown Toledo to become known as a world-class venue that showcased live jazz music and featured delicious cuisine 6 nights weekly for over a decade; and
WHEREAS, “The Murphy’s” (comprised of Clifford Murphy and Claude Black) were the house band at Murphy’s Place where aspiring musicians would gain valuable experience, confidence and encouragement from these great iconic mentors; NOW, THEREFORE,
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. That this Council does hereby designate the corner of Summit St. at Jefferson Ave. “Murphy’s Place”.
SECTION 2. That this Resolution shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.
Adopted: September 13, 2022, as an emergency measure: yeas 11, nays 0.
Attest:
Gerald E. Dendinger Matt Cherry
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: September 15, 2022
Wade Kapszukiewicz
Mayor