Bettye LaVette

Bettye LaVette is trying to think of the name of a BAR on the east side of 12th, somewhere between Webb and either Courtland or Davison. It was owned by the Fishmans who eventually built the Chit Chat. Either Rudy Robinson & The Hungry 5 and Washboard Willie & The Supersuds were the house bands, most times.

She worked there with Freddie Butler in the early 60s.

Soulful Detroit has a post that mentions "the Calumet Club [[featuring Washboard Willie & the Super Suds of Rhythm)on Twelfth Street".

While searching, I found out that James Jamerson played with Washboard Willie early in his career!

Here is a list of some clubs on 12th St. from the Soulful Detroit site:

Calumet Show Bar - 12144 12th, at Richton.
Eagle Show Bar - 8737 12th - near Gladstone.
Club 12 - 8540 12th - corner of Pingree.

Club 12 was formerly the famous Klein's Show Bar [[and was later, I believe, Club Bambu)

Here is a picture of James Jamerson with Washboard Willie, on standup bass. If you never caught Willie's act, it was a real trip. He played sang and played a drum kit, washboard [[of course), and range of other percussion and rhythm instruments from a standing position.

http://www.ricksuchow.com/images/jjgp2.jpg

I hope she gets her answer, probably listed here.
She was, and is, one of the best talents to rise from Michigan. Truly a great and soulful singer.