http://www.salon.com/2015/04/04/a_real_life_lucious_lyon_the_former_slave_who_built_a_beale_street_empire_and_transformed_memphis/Powerful ! A similar underworld connection, as mentioned here about Memphis, fueled Kansas City's world-famous jazz and businesses in the 1920-30's, courtesy of the "boss," Mayor (Democrat) Thomas Pendergast ! Gripping !