Jamaica’s Rufus Rockhead named person of national historic significance in Canada
Published:Friday | October 4, 2024 | 12:07 AMAdrian Frater/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
IT HAS been 41 years since the passing of Jamaica-born entrepreneur, Rufus Nataniel Rockhead, but his legend lives on in Canada, where he came to fame in 1929 as the owner of the famous Montreal-based jazz club, Rockhead’s Paradise.
Two weeks ago (September 19), Rockhead, who was born in Maroon Town, St James, in 1896 and migrated to Canada in 1916, was recognised as a person of national historic significance by Parks Canada, an entity that protect and preserve nationally significant examples of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage.
“Today, on behalf of the government of Canada, I am honoured to recognise Rufus Nathaniel Rockhead as a person of national historic significance,” said Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, in making the announcement. “A talented entrepreneur, Rockhead left an indelible mark on Canadian culture, fostering the birth of the Montréal jazz scene at his world-famous nightclub, Rockhead’s Paradise.”
“He fought intolerance and racism to create a showcase for young black musicians and helped launch the careers of many of Canada’s top jazz artists,” added Guilbeault.
Rockhead’s climb to fame in Canada started when he served in the First World War with the Canadian Forestry Corps in France between 1917 and 1918. In 1919 when he returned to Montreal, his steely determination chipped in as in an environment where colour was more of an impediment than an asset, he began his climb to greatness.
First, he tried his hand as a railway porter with the Canadian Pacific Railway, and against the backdrop of an environment where his colour was more of an impediment than an asset, he pivoted into entrepreneurship by launching a hat cleaning and shoeshine business in the Montreal borough of Verdun.
Rockhead later married Elizabeth ‘Birdie’ Weeks. The union produced three children.
In 1928, the ambitious Rockhead bought the Mountain Hotel in the historic black community in St-Antoine district of Montreal. The three-storey building became his empire as the building housed a tavern, lunch counter, a dining room, nightclub and a hotel.
It was on the second floor that Rockhead’s legend was built via the Rockhead’s Paradise night club, which became a must-visit location for visitors to Montreal, who were guaranteed a good time once they ventured in. However, the most defining feature of the club was the opportunity it offered black musicians, the budding jazz stars, a place to showcase their talent.
The club was credited with launching the careers of top-flight jazz musicians such as Oscar Peterson, Oliver Jones, Harold ‘Steep’ Wade and the Sealey Brothers. It also featured performances by jazz greats such as Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday.
Despite being a premier entertainment location, operating Rockhead’s Paradise was not all smooth sailing for the resolute businessmen as he was the victim of racial discrimination, twice losing his liquor license, and being forced to close its doors between 1953 and 1960. The club remained in operation until 1980 when it was sold and the building subsequently demolished.
Rockhead, who also became legendary for his generosity in the Canadian black community, was a household name in Canada when he died in 1981 at the age of 85. It is therefore no surprise that he is being immortalised by Park’s Canada.