The legendary Ben E King inside the King Mojo office
If you were a swinging sixties teen in the Steel City of the early ‘60s, chances are you found yourself at the King Mojo Club. Situated at 555 Pitsmoor Road, this iconic haunt was more than just a teenage club that sold only soft drinks; it was the epicentre of all things cool and groovy. As we celebrate 60 years since its doors swung open in 1964 – we once again pay homage to this cultural icon.
The Creation of Cool
Many still ask: “Where was King Mojo Club Sheffield” and soon get hooked into the inspirational story of the rise of enterprising duo, Peter and Geoff Stringfellow - the brains behind it. They weren’t just opening a venue; they were launching a teenage revolution. The artists they tempted to deepest, darkest, suburban Pitsmoor read like a who’s who of musical greats.
The Who, Small Faces, Stevie Wonder, Ike & Tina Turner, Jimi Hendrix – all captured on their early ascendancy to greatness.
A Cast of Characters
It was famous for its cast as well as its artist – a fashion conscious mix of mods that became northern style leaders and were regularly seen dancing on ‘Ready, Steady, Go…’
King Mojo truly was the place to be seen.
King Mojo-goers leaving for the national stage of 'Ready, Steady, Go'
Flashbulbs and Fashion
Hunting for Mojo Sheffield photos? You’ll find a treasure trove of black and white and colour snaps featuring miniskirts, mop-tops, and the occasional awkward dance move in our ‘Dirty Stop Out’s Guide to 1960s Sheffield’.
The End of an Era
So, when did the Mojo close? Sadly, in 1967, just as everyone had perfected their dance routines. After a whirlwind three years, Sheffield had to say goodbye to its favourite hotspot. The closure left many a mod moping, but the legend of King Mojo refused to die down.
The Legacy Lives On
Today, the site at 555 Pitsmoor Road looks very different, but whisper ‘King Mojo’ and you’ll see a twinkle in the eyes of those who were there. They remember the music, the laughter, and that one night they nearly bumped into a Beatle (fair enough, the Fab Four didn’t play but they didn’t perform but they did play for the Stringfellows a couple of years earlier at the Azena Ballroom in Gleadless).
As we mark 60 years since King Mojo Club Sheffield first made its mark, it’s clear that the club was more than just a spot on the map. It was a cultural phenomenon, a palace of night-time thrills, and perhaps the best place in Sheffield to ruin a good pair of shoes on the dance floor.
* If you want to read more about the legendary King Mojo check out our 'Dirty Stop Out's Guide to 1960s Sheffield' which includes a foreword by Peter Stringfellow himself.
