Henry "Good Jelly" Jones

Before we get to our first story we want to let you know that you are on the edge of the Germantown neighborhood and next door to the Nashville Sounds Stadium, State Library and Archives, and Bicentennial Mall. Feel free to walk around as you listen. Now let’s take a journey back in time. Imagine yourself standing at 510 Jefferson Street in the 1950s. Welcome to what was once called “Good Jelly Jones Place.” Now close your eyes and catch the hint of hickory smoke in the air. Listen for the sound of laughter and music. On an open-pit near the sidewalk imagine the day’s pork menu cooking slowly. Here at Good Jelly Jones the BBQ, liquor, and conversation flowed freely. Dr. Lea Williams described this establishment “as the entry point of Black Jefferson Street—the gates of North Nashville.” 

The proprietor and owner was Henry Jones also called “Good Jelly” or “Jelly Jones.” His café was a place of “good times” in North Nashville, and residents often gathered here to eat and drink while they socialized, gambled, and engaged in a few extralegal vices. Jones was a local celebrity known for having the best moonshine in Music City, a fact which caused him to run afoul of the law from time to time. Jones was arrested over eighty times, often times as the result of police raids for illegal liquor. In 1962, after a raid, “Jelly” Jones told a reporter, “I don’t know why they’re bothering me. It ain’t election time.”

Famous for his signature golfer’s cap and trademark smile, the charismatic “Jelly” Jones often avoided criminal prosecution because of his political influence. Arguably, he was Nashville’s most important un-elected Black politician. Here at his BBQ and juke joint, Jones talked to the patrons and advised them who to vote for. He knew how to get voters to the polls, which affected the outcome of close elections for mayors, local judges, and city council members. According to the 1962 Negro Digest: “For if Good Jelly had a striking ability to get into trouble, he had an even more remarkable ability to get out of it.” Because of his political connections, and the politicians he helped elect, charges were usually dropped or the judge would dismiss the case. Jones had more than a few guardian angels downtown who wanted the good times to keep rolling at 510 Jefferson Street.

“Jelly” Jones was also known as a generous man with a big heart. In an interview he said, “Down in these parts, folks don’t have but a little money so they come over here. . . and we feed them, and they come here when they don’t have any money and we still feed them. . . [And] these folks, don’t forget.” When we discuss the history of 20th century African American community and politics in Nashville, the life and times of Henry “Good Jelly” Jones is an important place to start. For more on the history of this area, take our Early History and Civil War tours on Nashville Sites. 

Next we head to 1008 Jefferson Street. From John Lewis Way turn LEFT onto Jefferson Street and continue west. Just past Tenth Avenue North, turn RIGHT into the parking lot next to Ware’s Barber Shop and City Pet’s Animal Care. This is your next stop.