Theodore "Uncle Teddy" Acklen

1908 1981

Nashville Entrepreneur, Nightclub Pioneer, Community Builder

"He scrambled up from the streets of Nashville to build an empire and lift up his community along the way."

A Pillar of Nashville's Black Community

In an era of segregation and limited opportunity, Theodore "Uncle Teddy" Acklen defied the odds to become one of Nashville's most successful Black entrepreneurs. From his legendary Del Morocco nightclub to his quiet philanthropy that sent countless young people to college, Uncle Teddy's legacy continues to inspire generations.

33 Years Operating Del Morocco
5+ Business Enterprises
100+ Students Helped Through School

The Legend

I

Early Life & Origins

Young Theodore Acklen
Theodore Acklen as a young man, circa 1930s

Born on May 30, 1908, in Nashville, Tennessee, Theodore Acklen came into the world during a time of profound change and challenge for Black Americans. The son of Oliver Acklen and Annie Nelson Acklen, young Theodore grew up in a Nashville that was strictly segregated but bursting with the entrepreneurial spirit of the Black community.

Nashville in the early 1900s was a city of contrasts. While Jim Crow laws limited where Black citizens could live, work, and socialize, the city's Black community built their own thriving world along Jefferson Street. It was in this environment that Theodore learned the value of hard work, community, and self-reliance.

"Theodore came from humble beginnings, but he had a fire in him. You could see it even when he was young - that determination to make something of himself and help others do the same." - Family oral history

Growing up, Theodore was known for his quick wit, natural athleticism, and an uncanny ability to connect with people from all walks of life. These qualities would serve him well in his future endeavors, from the baseball diamond to the business world.

II

The Baseball Years

Before Uncle Teddy became known as a business mogul, he made his mark on the baseball diamond. In the 1930s, Theodore played semi-professional baseball in the Negro Leagues, showcasing exceptional athletic talent during an era when Black players were barred from Major League Baseball.

The Negro Leagues Era

From 1920 to the late 1940s, the Negro Leagues represented the highest level of professional baseball for Black Americans. These leagues produced legendary players like Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and Jackie Robinson - and featured talented athletes like Theodore Acklen who brought excitement to communities across the nation.

Theodore's time in baseball taught him valuable lessons about teamwork, discipline, and performing under pressure. The camaraderie he experienced with his fellow players and the joy he brought to fans would later influence how he ran his businesses - always with an eye toward bringing people together and creating memorable experiences.

His connections in the baseball world would prove invaluable later, when sports legends like Jackie Robinson and Roy Campanella would visit the Del Morocco during their travels through the South.

Theodore Acklen Baseball
Theodore during his baseball years, 1930s
Negro League Team
Negro League baseball brought communities together
III

Building an Empire

Jefferson Street Nashville
Jefferson Street - The Heart of Black Nashville's Business District

By the mid-1930s, Theodore had transitioned from athlete to entrepreneur, launching what would become a remarkable business empire along Nashville's legendary Jefferson Street corridor.

The Foundation: Running Numbers

The backbone of Theodore's empire was the numbers game - an informal lottery that was the economic lifeblood of many Black communities during the Jim Crow era. When Black Americans were systematically excluded from banks, business loans, and legitimate economic opportunities, the numbers provided a path to capital formation that was otherwise impossible. Theodore became one of Nashville's most successful numbers operators, and the profits from this enterprise funded everything else - the Del Morocco, the restaurants, the barbershop, and his legendary philanthropy. Like many Black entrepreneurs of his generation, he built a legitimate empire on the only foundation that segregation allowed.

1939 Newspaper article about Theodore Acklen The Tennessean, 1939 - Theodore at 31, described as a "numbers racketeer," also mentions his softball team "Acklen's Moroccans"

Numbers Operation

Primary Enterprise

The foundation of Theodore's wealth. In an era when Black Americans were denied access to traditional banking and business capital, the numbers game was one of the few paths to economic independence. Theodore ran one of Nashville's most successful operations, reinvesting the profits into legitimate businesses that served his community.

Club Del Morocco

1935 - 1968

The crown jewel of Theodore's empire. This legendary nightclub at 2417 Jefferson Street became the premier entertainment destination for Black Nashville, hosting everyone from local talent to international superstars.

Golden Bird Restaurant

Est. 1940s

Famous throughout Nashville for its exceptional fried chicken, the Golden Bird became a beloved gathering place. Locals still remember the aroma of fresh-cooked chicken wafting down Jefferson Street.

Acklen's Barbershop

Est. 1940s

More than just a place for haircuts, Theodore's barbershop was a community institution where men gathered to discuss politics, sports, and life. It was said that more deals were made in that shop than in many boardrooms.

Joyce's House of Glamour

Est. 1950s

Named for his daughter Joyce, this beauty salon provided employment opportunities for women and became a social hub where ladies gathered for both beauty services and community connection.

"Uncle Teddy didn't just run businesses - he created gathering places. Every establishment he owned became a place where the community came together, where deals were made, where friendships were forged, and where dreams were born." - Nashville historian
IV

A Generous Heart

Perhaps Theodore's greatest legacy wasn't the businesses he built, but the lives he changed through his quiet, consistent philanthropy. In an era when educational opportunities for Black students were severely limited, Uncle Teddy became a one-man scholarship foundation.

"He helped a lot of kids get through school, particularly at Meharry, a lot of doctors. He never made a big deal about it - he just did it because he believed in giving young people a chance." - Family remembrance

Meharry Medical College

Theodore helped numerous students complete their medical education at Meharry, one of the nation's oldest historically Black medical schools. Many of these students went on to serve communities across the country.

Fisk University

Students at the prestigious Fisk University also benefited from Uncle Teddy's generosity, receiving support for tuition, books, and living expenses.

Community Support

Beyond formal education, Theodore was known for helping families in need, supporting local churches, and investing in community improvement projects throughout North Nashville.

Theodore's approach to giving was practical and personal. He didn't just write checks - he mentored young people, gave them jobs in his businesses, and connected them with opportunities. He believed that success came with responsibility, and he took that responsibility seriously throughout his life.

Meharry Medical College
Meharry Medical College - Where many of Theodore's scholarship recipients studied
V

Family & Legacy

At the heart of Theodore's life was his family. He was a devoted father and husband who worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for his children and extended family.

Marriages

Earline Rebecca Smith Acklen
Earline Rebecca Smith Acklen

1910 - 1963

Theodore's first wife, Earline was his partner during the building of his business empire. Together they raised their children and built a life centered on family, faith, and community service.

Ehrai Muffy Walker Zapp Acklen
Ehrai "Muffy" Walker Zapp

1920 - 2013

Theodore married Muffy in 1947. She was a steadfast companion through the later years of his life, and she preserved much of his legacy after his passing, living until the age of 93.

Children

Theodore and Earline had four children who carried on his legacy of community involvement and excellence:

Theodore O. "Little Teddy" Acklen Jr.

1933 - 2009

The eldest son, who carried his father's name and continued the family's tradition of business and community involvement in Nashville.

Walter Acklen

Theodore's second son, who helped maintain the family's presence in Nashville's business community.

Joyce Acklen Reese

Theodore's daughter, for whom Joyce's House of Glamour was named. She carried on her father's spirit of entrepreneurship and community service.

Gail Acklen Walton

Theodore's youngest daughter, who has been instrumental in preserving and sharing the family's rich history with new generations.

Stories & Memories

The true measure of a person's life is found in the stories told about them long after they're gone. Here are some of the memories and anecdotes that paint a picture of who Theodore "Uncle Teddy" Acklen really was.

The Night Jackie Robinson Came to Town

When Jackie Robinson and Roy Campanella traveled through Nashville during the segregation era, there were few places where they could eat, sleep, or socialize with dignity. The Del Morocco was one of those rare havens.

Uncle Teddy personally welcomed the baseball legends, serving them the finest meal his kitchen could produce. The club was packed that night with fans who couldn't see these heroes play in the "white" ballparks but could share a meal and conversation with them at the Del Morocco.

"Uncle Teddy treated everybody like they were somebody special, but when those ballplayers came through, you could see how much it meant to him - athlete to athlete, one dreamer recognizing another."

The Doctor Who Never Forgot

Years after Theodore's passing, a prominent Nashville physician made a quiet pilgrimage to the site where the Del Morocco once stood. He told the story of how, as a struggling Meharry student in the 1950s, he was ready to drop out when his money ran out.

"Mr. Acklen didn't know me from Adam. But when he heard about my situation, he called me into his office above the club and handed me an envelope. Said 'Go finish your studies and take care of your people.' That envelope had enough money to get me through my last year. I've been practicing medicine for 40 years because of that man."

Jimi's Late Night Sessions

After the regular shows ended and the crowds went home, something magical would happen at the Del Morocco. Jimi Hendrix, then a young guitarist still finding his sound, would stay behind for late-night jam sessions.

Uncle Teddy would keep the club open, pouring drinks for the musicians and anyone lucky enough to know about these secret sessions. Years later, Hendrix would credit Nashville - and those nights at the Del Morocco - as the place where he truly found his guitar voice.

"You'd hear sounds coming out of that club at 3 AM that would stop you in your tracks. Nobody knew then that we were listening to the birth of something that would change music forever."

The Barbershop Philosopher

Theodore's barbershop was legendary for more than just haircuts. It was said that he kept a special chair for any young man who needed advice. The rule was simple: sit in that chair, and Uncle Teddy would give you his full attention.

"He'd listen to your troubles, ask you questions until you figured out the answer yourself, then send you on your way with a fresh haircut and a clearer head. Half the successful Black businessmen in Nashville got their start in that chair."

The Secret Fried Chicken Recipe

The Golden Bird's fried chicken was so famous that people would drive from miles around just to taste it. The recipe was a closely guarded secret, and Uncle Teddy was known to have prepared the special spice blend himself, in private, early each morning.

When asked about the secret, he would just smile and say:

"The secret ingredient is love. That, and a little something my mama taught me that I ain't telling nobody."

To this day, family members still try to recreate that legendary recipe.

Sunday Afternoon Boxing

One of the Del Morocco's more unexpected features was its Sunday afternoon amateur boxing matches. Uncle Teddy, drawing on his athletic background, organized these events as a way to give young men a positive outlet and keep them off the streets.

"Those boxing matches weren't about violence - they were about discipline, respect, and learning to fight fair. Uncle Teddy would referee personally, and heaven help any boy who threw a dirty punch. The lessons learned in that ring stayed with those young men their whole lives."

"They don't make them like Uncle Teddy anymore. He was a businessman, yes, but more than that, he was a builder of people. Every life he touched was better for knowing him." - A longtime Jefferson Street resident

Club Del Morocco

DEL MOROCCO

2417 Jefferson Street - Nashville, Tennessee

"Where Nashville's Soul Came Alive"

From 1935 to 1968, the Club Del Morocco stood as the crown jewel of Nashville's Jefferson Street entertainment district. More than just a nightclub, it was a sanctuary - a place where Black Americans could gather, celebrate, and experience world-class entertainment with dignity during the Jim Crow era.

Under Theodore Acklen's ownership, the Del Morocco became legendary throughout the South. When the greatest performers of the era traveled the "Chitlin' Circuit" - the network of venues that welcomed Black entertainers - the Del Morocco was always a highlight of the tour.

Del Morocco Exterior
The Del Morocco, Jefferson Street, circa 1950s

A Night at the Del Morocco

Imagine stepping through the doors of the Del Morocco on a Saturday night in 1955. The air is thick with cigarette smoke and anticipation. Sharply dressed men in their finest suits escort elegant women in evening gowns. The band is warming up, and the bar is three deep with customers ordering Uncle Teddy's specialty cocktails.

Upstairs in the Blue Room, Nashville's Black elite enjoy fine dining - white tablecloths, candlelight, and cuisine that rivaled any restaurant in the city. Downstairs, the main floor buzzes with energy as the crowd awaits tonight's headliner.

The emcee takes the stage. The lights dim. And suddenly, magic happens.

The Blue Room

Elegant upstairs dining with white-glove service

The Main Stage

Where legends performed to adoring crowds

The Bar

Famous for Uncle Teddy's special cocktails

VIP Section

Where celebrities relaxed after shows

Legendary Performers

The Del Morocco's stage hosted some of the greatest performers in American music history. Here are just a few of the legends who graced its stage:

Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix

Residency: 1962-1963

Fresh from his Army discharge at Fort Campbell, the young guitarist played extended residencies at the Del Morocco with bassist Billy Cox. Nashville, and especially the Del Morocco, was where Hendrix truly developed his revolutionary guitar style.

"Nashville was where I really developed and honed my guitar playing proficiency."- Jimi Hendrix
Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald

Multiple Appearances

The "First Lady of Song" performed at the Del Morocco during her tours through the South. Her sophisticated jazz vocals filled the club with magic, and Uncle Teddy always ensured she received the royal treatment befitting her status.

Duke Ellington

Duke Ellington

Multiple Appearances

The legendary bandleader and composer brought his sophisticated sound to the Del Morocco's stage. His orchestra transformed the club into a world-class jazz venue, and his performances were the talk of Nashville for weeks afterward.

Little Richard

Little Richard

Multiple Appearances

When Little Richard took the Del Morocco stage, the energy was absolutely electric. His wild piano playing and unforgettable voice had audiences on their feet from the first note to the last.

Also Performing at the Del Morocco:

Ray Charles Count Basie The Temptations B.B. King Etta James Bobby "Blue" Bland The Drifters Sam Cooke Otis Redding James Brown

The Golden Age

1935 - 1968

For 33 years, the Del Morocco was the beating heart of Nashville's Jefferson Street entertainment district. From its grand opening to its final night, it remained the premier destination for music, dining, and community celebration.

The Chitlin' Circuit

The Del Morocco was a key stop on the "Chitlin' Circuit" - the network of venues throughout the South and Eastern United States that were safe for Black performers during segregation. Artists knew that a stop at the Del Morocco meant appreciative audiences, fair treatment, and Theodore Acklen's legendary hospitality.

More Than Music

The Del Morocco wasn't just a music venue. It hosted Sunday jam sessions, elaborate stage shows, fashion shows, community meetings, and even amateur boxing matches organized by Uncle Teddy. It was truly the social center of Black Nashville.

A Legacy Remembered

In 1968, the Del Morocco was demolished to make way for Interstate 40 construction - part of the "urban renewal" that devastated many Black business districts across America. But its legacy lives on. A historical marker now commemorates its place in music history, and its story continues to inspire new generations.

Memories of the Del Morocco

Del Morocco Interior The main stage
Del Morocco Crowd A packed Saturday night
Del Morocco Bar The famous bar
Blue Room The elegant Blue Room
House Band The house band
Jefferson Street at Night Jefferson Street at night

Jefferson Street: A Lost World

The Golden Age of Jefferson Street - roughly 1935 to 1965 - represented the pinnacle of Black enterprise and culture in Nashville. This was the world that Theodore Acklen helped build, and the world that interstate construction would ultimately destroy.

The Heart of Black Nashville

Before the bulldozers came, Jefferson Street was alive. On any given day, you could get a haircut at Crowder's Barbershop (opened 1930), stop by Isom's Beauty Shop, pick up a prescription at Jefferson Street Pharmacy, and end the evening at Uncle Teddy's Del Morocco watching the greatest performers of the era.

The street held some of the oldest Black church congregations in Nashville, alongside Engine Company No. 11 - the first African-American fire station in the entire country. There was K. Gardner's Funeral Home, William Hawkins' North Side Ice Cream Company, Frank White's Cleaners, and dozens of other Black-owned businesses that served a community that had built prosperity against all odds.

The Silver Streak Ballroom

Along with the Del Morocco, the Silver Streak was where the magic happened. Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Count Basie, and Ella Fitzgerald all graced its stage. These venues made Jefferson Street a must-stop destination on the Chitlin' Circuit.

The Del Morocco

Uncle Teddy's crown jewel featured the famous Blue Room upstairs, with white tablecloths and candlelight dining. The main floor packed in crowds for the biggest names in music. Negro Baseball League players mixed with recording artists, local families, and visitors from across the South.

Joyce's House of Glamour

Named after Theodore's daughter Joyce, this beauty salon was another hub of community life - where news was shared, advice given, and the women of Jefferson Street prepared for nights out at the Del Morocco.

The Day the Music Stopped

In the name of "urban renewal," Interstate 40 was routed directly through the heart of Jefferson Street in 1968. The construction displaced more than a thousand Black residents and demolished the business and cultural district that had thrived for decades.

The Del Morocco was torn down. The Silver Streak was gone. Block after block of Black-owned businesses, homes, and churches were reduced to rubble to make way for highway traffic that would pass through without stopping.

What couldn't be destroyed was the memory. The community that gathered at Uncle Teddy's Del Morocco, the music that filled those rooms, the generations that were raised in this neighborhood - these things live on in the stories we tell and the history we preserve.

1,000+ Residents Displaced
50+ Businesses Lost
33 Years of Del Morocco History
"Jefferson Street was the launching pad to the Chitlin' Circuit for African American performers. It was where careers were made, where communities gathered, and where Black Nashville lived its fullest life." - Jefferson Street Sound Historical Society

Life Timeline

Explore the key moments in Theodore "Uncle Teddy" Acklen's remarkable life - from his birth in 1908 Nashville through his lasting legacy.

1908

Family Tree

Explore Theodore's family connections. Click on any family member to learn more about them, and use the controls below to navigate the tree.

Four Generations of Acklens
Four Generations Together: Theodore "Uncle Teddy" (T1), Theodore Jr. (T2), Theodore III (T3), and the great-grandchildren
Theodore "Uncle Teddy" Acklen
Male Family Members
Female Family Members
Theodore Acklen Memorial Portrait

In Loving Memory

May 30, 1908 - September 18, 1981

"A man who built businesses, touched lives, and lifted up his community every single day."

Theodore "Uncle Teddy" Acklen passed away on September 18, 1981, but his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the businesses he built, and the community he served with such devotion.

He is buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Nashville, Tennessee, resting in the city he loved and helped build.