In The Groove: A tribute to the Jolly Old Timers’ jukebox

The jukebox in your local dive bar is a dying breed, but not at Jolly Old Timers.

The legendary Black social club that’s been around for about seven decades has one of the best jukeboxes around. Jolly Old Timers is a not-so-secret bar in the basement of their headquarters on Forest Avenue just off Wayne State campus (and about a block from WDET’s studios). It’s open on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, and has some of the best food around (think fried fish, wings).

Since my first time there, it’s been one of my favorite places. A true stalwart of the community that feels like stepping back in time. John Carlisle of the Detroit Free Press wrote a great story about it a few years ago. And it simply wouldn’t be around without the members of Jolly Old Timers, who take volunteer shifts running the joint and pour their dues back into the community via scholarships, donations and more.

And the vibe really does start with a great jukebox. So, on this episode of In The Groove, I dedicated an hour set to just playing cuts from their jukebox, including Jill Scott, Alicia Keys, Isaac Hayes, Marvin Gaye, Jackie Wilson, OutKast and more.

Plus, a new music discovery focus on Beyoncé’s conversation-changing “Cowboy Carter” album, Hiatus Kaiyote, SPRINTS, Detroit’s own DJ Hologtaphic and lots more.

In The Groove with Ryan Patrick Hooper playlist for April 1, 2024

• “Ameriican Requium” – Beyoncé
• “Blackbiird” (feat. Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, Reyna Roberts) – Beyoncé
• “Let You In” (feat. Hutch the Great & Melodi Marsh) – Max Sinal
• “Crossfire / So Into You” – Nai Palm
• “Make Friends” – Hiatus Kaiyote
• “Orb” – Glass Beams
• “Aries” – DJ Holographic
• “Heavy” – SPRINTS
• “Flea” – St. Vincent
• “II Most Wanted” – Beyoncé
• “Nothing Compares To You” – Britti
• “It Ain’t Like We Don’t” (feat. Paris James) – jessica Care moore
• “Jolene” – Beyoncé
• “dark days” – Moby & Lady Blackbird
• “Carry Me Higher” (7 Inch Version) (feat. Joy Anonymous and Danielle Ponder) – The Blessed Madonna
• “The Jungle” – Plants and Animals
• “Live Again” (feat. Halo Maud) – Chemical Brothers
• “Love and Hate in a Different Time” (Greg Wilson & Che Wilson Remix) – Gabriels
• “Some Of Us Are Brave” – Danielle Ponder
• “Freedom” – Jordan Rakei
• “Fix Me” – Mary June Dunphe
• “What It’s Worth” – Voice Actor & Yarrow.co
• “chasing the bus” – Yaya Bey

A tribute to the Jolly Old Timers’ jukebox

• “Golden” – Jill Scott
• “Walk On By” – Isaac Hayes
• “If I Was Your Woman / Walk On By” – Alicia Keys
• “Hang On to Your Love” – Sade
• “Pop Life” – Prince
• “Ready or Not Here I Come (Can’t Hide From Love” – The Delfonics
• “Love and Happiness” – Al Green
• “(Don’t Worry) If There’s A Hell Below We’re Going To Go” – Curtis Mayfield
• “Prototype” – Outkast
• “Got To Give It Up, Pt. 1” – Marvin Gaye
• “Lonely Teardrops” – Jackie Wilson (dedicated to Judy at Jolly Old Timers)

Listen to In the Groove with host Ryan Patrick Hooper weekdays from noon-3 p.m. ET on 101.9 WDET or stream on-demand at wdet.org.