AS A teenager in the 40s and 50s, Glasgow was the place to be if you loved a dance - the Locarno, the Barrowland, the Majestic and more were the stuff of legend.
Reader Jim Tennant recalls: “My number one favourite was the Dennistoun Palais. It was just a tramcar ride from Parkhead Cross to Hillfoot Street. The band in residence was Laurie Blandford, with featured singer Maisie McClelland. The dance floor was specially sprung, which made you feel as light as air - like you could dance all night.”
He smiles: “My favourite dance was a slow foxtrot to the Harlem Nocturne. At the interval we went to the tea section, where Laurie’s brother would play his accordion and perform a Frank Sinatra tribute. I could go on forever about my love for the ‘Pally’.”
Jim recalls jiving to Billy McGregor and the Gay Birds at the Barrowland, visiting the Plaza at Eglinton Toll and The Tudor in Giffnock.
He adds: “Harry Margolis, from the south side, was a big entertainer, for more than 60 years. In the early 40s, we were fighting a war – but I’m sure dancing kept our spirits up.”
Read more: The teenage heartthrob who set Glasgow pulses racing on his 1974 visit
All Our Yesterdays would love to hear your memories of Glasgow’s dance hall days. What was your favourite dance hall? Did you just love jive or favour the foxtrot? Did you meet the love of your life there? Email ann.fotheringham@glasgowtimes.co.uk At the moment, due to Covid-19 restrictions, we do not have access to our postbag so please do not post letters or precious photographs for the time being.
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