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Historic Dunbar Hotel renovated

Glendale Howard Grey, 57, uses a tape recorder to document the opening of the renovated Dunbar Hotel in South Los Angeles.

Glendale Howard Grey, 57, uses a tape recorder to document the opening of the renovated Dunbar Hotel in South Los Angeles.   (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

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The renovation of the Dunbar Hotel in South Los Angeles was celebrated Wednesday. Built in 1928 by John Somerville to serve African Americans seeking accommodations on their visits to Los Angeles, the historic Dunbar hosted many of jazz music’s luminaries, including Ellington, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday.

Dunbar Hotel

Jazz vocalist Ernie Andrews, 85, center, joins a crowd at the opening of the renovated Dunbar Hotel. Andrews, a resident of Los Angeles, performed at the Dunbar Hotel with Count Basie and Duke Ellington in the 1940s.   (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Dunbar Hotel

Bassist Henry Franklin performs with his jazz trio during the opening of the renovated Dunbar Hotel.   (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Dunbar Hotel

Visitors stroll around the renovated Dunbar Hotel. The hotel now serves as housing for low-income senior citizens.   (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Dunbar Hotel

Sarah Hawkins, 71, welcomes visitors to her apartment. The historic hotel has been converted to a senior-living facility.   (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Dunbar Hotel

Visitors explore an inner courtyard of the renovated Dunbar Hotel.   (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

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