Hula Mae's Laundry

Lonely Planet review

Cossimo Matassa's J&M Music shop, where New Orleans musicians recorded some of the biggest R&B hits in the 1950s, closed down years ago, but the site, now a busy laundry mat, contains a few items of interest to music fanatics. The pebby J&M sign is still inlaid on the front threshhold. Inside, by the dryers and folding tables, one wall is dedicated to a photo and history exhibit that tells some of the story behind this historic spot.

It was here that Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew established the 'New Orleans Sound,' and countless oldies but goodies were recorded right there where those people are folding their clothes, including Lloyd Price's 'Lawdy Miss Clawdy.'