BESSEMER, Ala. (WIAT) — For decades, people gathered in a little building on Henry “Gip” Gipson’s back yard in Bessemer to hear blues and dance.

On Saturday, the music will stop.

In a Facebook post made on Gipson’s Facebook page Thursday, management at Gip’s Place announced that Saturday would be the last night the longtime blues joint would be open. Manager Diane Guyton confirmed the news to CBS 42 Thursday evening.

The club first started in 1952 as a way for local musicians to have a place to get together and play music. Over the years, Gip’s Place became a nightly favorite among locals and was the subject of stories in the national media.

Back in June, the 99-year-old Gipson suffered health problems and was briefly hospitalized. He has not been at the club since.