Of the iconic blues clubs scattered across the country, Rosa’s Lounge stands uniquely off the beaten path. Founded 30 years ago by Tony Mangiullo, and spiritually modeled after the legendary Theresa’s Lounge, Rosa’s Lounge is one blues club in Chicago that every fan must visit. After witnessing a Junior Wells show in his native Milan, Italy, Mangiullo visited Chicago, subsequently moved there, and founded his club, aided by the hard work and vision of his mother, Rosa, the club’s namesake. Throughout its history, Rosa’s has featured live blues music. With the friendship of Junior Wells, Homesick James, Pinetop Perkins, Carey Bell, and many other legendary Chicago bluesmen of yesterday, and with the continued loyal help and support of Sugar Blue, Billy Branch, Melvin Taylor, Lurrie Bell, Jimmy Burns, and many more, Rosa’s maintains the high quality of yesterday’s generation of Chicago blues and is thought of as home by many in the Chicago blues community. Mama Rosa, Tony, and the committed staff Melvin, Amberly, and Angel have shaped Rosa’s Lounge into the blues haven it is today.
