The Metro: Baker’s, Simmons & Clark hit 90-plus year milestones in Detroit 

Both Baker’s Keyboard Lounge and Simmons & Clark Jewelers have kept their doors open for 90-plus years — largely due to their care for customers and the city. 

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Baker’s Keyboard Lounge

Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, located not too far from the famous Livernois Avenue of Fashion, first opened its doors in 1934. A who’s who of Jazz names played there, including Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, John Coltrane and many more. 

While the music is important at Baker’s, so is the flavor. It originally started as a beer and sandwich restaurant, but they now serve some of the best soul food in the city.  

Baker’s Owner Bill Smith joined The Metro on Friday to discuss what keeps people and musicians coming to the space. The venue is being honored at the Smooth Jazz Fall Fest at the Fox Theater on Saturday. 

Simmons & Clark Jewelers

Roughly one in four U.S. businesses fail within their first year of operation, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. And for small businesses, the challenge of staying afloat can be monumental.

But that’s not the case with Simmons & Clark Jewelers, a family-run business that began in Detroit 99 years ago. Since 1925, the business has been handed down three generations — from fathers to sons — with the current owner Michael Simmons now carrying on the family legacy.

Simmons joined The Metro to talk about how the business got up and running and what’s kept it going these past 99 years.

Use the media player above to hear the conversation with Smith and Simmons.

More headlines from The Metro on Oct. 4, 2024:

• The second annual Preservation of Jazz Appreciation Ceremony is happening next week at Aretha’s Jazz Cafe. The ceremony will highlight individuals dedicated to celebrating and preserving Jazz music in Detroit. Creator of the event and local performer Sky Covington joined the show to discuss who’s being honored this year. 
• It’s also Detroit Documenter Friday on The Metro. The Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) is in the hiring process for a new CEO. They’re down to two candidates, Detroit Police Chief James White and President of Team Wellness Michael Hunter. To discuss the role of DWIHN and the interview process, Detroit Documenter Clarissa Williams and Documenters Coordinator Lynelle Herndon joined the show.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 11 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.