In 1961, the Stardust Ballroom, nestled on Pacific Street in Rocklin, became the setting for a legendary night of music.
The venue was originally constructed in 1930 as the Rocklin Pleasure Hall but was later transformed in the 1950s into the Stardust Skating Rink.
In addition to being a popular roller rink, the venue hosted live performances as the Stardust Ballroom on weekends.
On the evening of Saturday, Oct. 21, 1961, the audience at the Stardust Ballroom was treated to a show featuring none other than Johnny Cash, accompanied by the Tennessee Two and supported by the talents of Smokey Silver and Bob Wesley. The advertisement for the performance in the Roseville Press-Tribune called Johnny Cash “the nation’s most versatile entertainer.”
Sadly, despite featuring many famous and up-and-coming musicians at the venue, traffic decreased when Interstate 80 diverted traffic away from the rink, and it closed in 1977.
After being leased to various businesses over the decades, it was demolished this year for a residential project.
Photo: Johnny Cash, Sun Records publicity photograph, c. 1955
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