Hollywood Raiford - Memphis, TN

About this Photo

A late-night Memphis institution for more than thirty years, Hollywood Raiford closed its doors in 2007, and the location today looks nothing like this photograph from 2002. Little did Jeremy or I know it at the time, but the venue was legendary. Set up by the inimitable DJ, performer and impresario Robert Raiford, the club’s ethos was described by him:  “… if you want to have a good time and have a party, you come to Raiford's. If you don't want to come and have a good time, then you need to let that doorknob hit you where Jesus Christ split you.” or as his daughter Paula explained “…the club was a place where normal people came to party like rockstars”.

Former Mayor of Memphis, A C Wharton, had this to say of the venue: "It was iconic. It was 'Who thought of this?' It was eclectic…What really went through my mind was, 'Where else would you find this other than a place called Memphis? If you're (writing) a dictionary and you want to define Memphis, just put a picture of Raiford and his disco." Whilst a contemporary writer at the time of the venue's closure elaborated on its idiosyncrasies:  “On a weekend night, there was often a line to get in that door. Once inside, patrons had two choices of beverage — quarts of Bud or Bud Light. Rolling chairs lined the tiny room. A chandelier hung over the bar. The wooden dance floor was in the back, surrounded by mirrors ("People love to look at themselves," Raiford explained.) The smoke machine sometimes made the dance floor foggy. That's where the real action took place, where people of all races and ages shook what they had. Raiford's was a place that didn't start hopping until well after midnight and didn't stop hopping until the sun peeked out.”

Raiford was one of a kind, further proved when he was asked why he put six American flags on his signature Cadillac: “I was running two, and Mr Prince Mongo said, ‘Well, go and make it six, Raiford.’ So, I threw six of them on there.”

RIP Robert Raiford and his unique nightclub.

Prints

All Losing Eldorado editions are premium Giclee digital prints on Hahnemühle Pearl photographic paper.

Each print is part of a limited-edition series and is available either unframed or professionally framed in black wood with glass and a classic white card mount.

All prints are made to order and shipped directly to your home within two weeks. Delivery is available throughout Europe and North America.

Large Edition (Limited to 10)

84cm x 59cm × (33.1” x 23.4”)

Unframed Print — £295

• Edition of 10
• Printed area:  31.3” x 20.9"
• Final print size: 33.1” x 23.4"

Framed Print — £595

• Edition of 10
• Black wooden frame with glass and classic white mount
• Printed area: 28.2” x 18.8" ×
• Final print size: 33.1” x 23.4" 
• Overall framed size: 34.1” x 24.3" 

Medium Edition (Limited to 20)

42cm × 59cm (23.4” x 16.5")

Unframed Print — £150

• Edition of 20
• Printed area:  21.9” x 14.6"
• Final print size: 23.4” x 16.5" ×

Framed Print — £325

• Edition of 20
• Black wooden frame with glass and classic white mount
• Printed area:  19.8” x 13.2"
• Final print size: 23.4” x 16.5" ×
• Overall framed size: 24.3” x 17.5" 

Small Edition (Limited to 30)

30cm × 42cm (16.5” x 11.7") 

Unframed Print — £80

• Edition of 30
• Printed area: 15.5” x 10.3" ×
• Final print size: 16.5” x 11.7"

Framed Print — £175

• Edition of 30
• Black wooden frame with glass and classic white mount
• Printed area: 14.4” x  9.6" 
• Final print size: 1 16.5” x 1.7" ×
• Overall framed size: 17.5” x 12.6"