Double Door book gets 2nd printing, club turns 40

Charlotte's Double Door Inn has hosted plenty of music legends in its 40 year existence. The night Eric Clapton stepped on stage after headlining Charlotte Coliseum earlier is one of those oft told stories (like R.E.M. at the Milestone). Longtime Charlotteans like to say they were there whether they were or not.

The Double Door celebrates its 40th anniversary Sunday with fixture Lenny Federal's Federal Bureau of Rock n' Roll. December also marks the reprinting of the book that chronicles the club's history. "Charlotte's Home of the Blues" was originally published in 2009. This new edition, which will be available through Fort Canoga Press, includes a new chapter, new photographs and the first publication of photos from that night Clapton showed up.

The Double Door has welcomed other legends and many up and comers in its four decades. Just last month hip California alt-rock band Young the Giant held an intimate show there. Blues greats Stevie Ray Vaughan, Willie Dixon, and NC's own Nappy Brown (who have all since passed) played there as did Americana stalwarts Alejandro Escovedo and Drive-By Truckers. It remains a fun, vital spot with strong ties int he local scene.

The story of The Double Door was compiled by late author Debby Wallace, who passed away a month after it was published, and photographer/writer Daniel Coston. Coston has since published two other books - one on the NC rock n' roll scene in the `60s and another featuring his photographs and experiences as a music photographer largely focused on the Carolina acts he has worked with.

"Charlotte's Home of the Blues: 40 Years of the Double Door Inn" is available on Amazon and at this link. It will also be available Sunday during the anniversary show.