MMF History

Located in the heart of the Historic 18th and Vine Jazz District, Kansas City’s Mutual Musicians Foundation is one of the country’s principal cradles of jazz along with New York, New Orleans and Chicago. The Foundation bred numerous nationally significant big bands and a legion of talented soloists who revolutionized American jazz. Among these jazz artists are such luminaries as Count Basie, Jay McShann, Charlie Parker, Lester Young, Andy Kirk, Jimmy Rushing, Big Joe Turner, Hot Lips Page, Mary Lou Williams, Buck Clayton…

American Federation of Musicians Local 627 | 1823 Highland Avenue (1930)

These musicians belonged to Local 627, one of the African-American musicians unions affiliated with the American Federation of Musicians. Established in 1917, Local 627, then known as the “Colored Musicians Union” operated as a social center, engagement clearinghouse and as a vehicle for grievances against unfair practices by booking agents and band leaders.

The jazz style pioneered and fostered by Local 627 members developed along original lines influenced by, yet unique from, the traditions of New Orleans, Chicago and New York. The Mutual Musicians Foundation, Inc., originally incorporated to manage the building and Local 627′s assets, continued operating the building after the 1970 merger with Local 34.

Jazz has been played continuously here since 1930 when Local 627 moved into the building, making it the longest running Jazz place in the United States and in the world.

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(Historic Video: MMF Featured on CBS This Morning)

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Because it is the place where the Kansas City Style of Jazz was born, this building at 1823 Highland has been designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of Interior. It is also entered in the National Register of Historic Places and the Kansas City Landmarks Commission Register.
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VISIT SPECIAL MMF ONLINE EXHIBIT: Developed by Kenneth J. LaBudde, Department of Special Collections, Miller Nichols Library Copyright 2003-2004, University of Missouri - Kansas City and Mutual Musicians Foundation.

Buster Moten

A living museum, the Foundation also serves as a rehearsal space for members, a classroom for visiting students, a place for private gatherings, and a showplace for historic film, as it meanwhile continues to preserve and develop Kansas City’s rich musical heritage.

Private support is vital to the continued success of the Mutual Musicians Foundation, Inc. With your donation you can take pride in knowing that you have helped to nurture and maintain a Historic Jazz Treasure.

Jackson County National Register Listings

To support the Mutual Musicans Foundation, please contact our Executive Board:

Mutual Musicians Foundation
1823 Highland Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64108