From the 1920s to the 1950s, African Americans settled in this area and established diners, groceries, taverns, tailor shops, and nightclubs. The Black and Tan Nightclub was a favorite gathering place for local musicians and visiting artists such as Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughn, and Louis Armstrong. It was established by African American entrepreneurs Russell “Noodles” Smith and Burr “Blackie” Williams and was the city’s most highly regarded and longest-running nightclub. Today it is known as Little Saigon, home to many Vietnamese and Vietnamese-Chinese owned businesses.