Jalan P. Ramlee was named after the most famous entertainer in Malaysian history, the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee.1. He was born in Penang, where there is a Jalan P. Ramlee also. His real name is Teuku Zakaria bin Teuku Nyak Puteh. Jalan P. Ramlee was originally called Parry Road. It was named after planter Methold Sidney Parry, who was the director of a number of rubber plantation in late 19th century Kuala Lumpur.
Jalan P. Ramlee is today noted as a major commercial street. It is lined with high-rise office buildings and luxury condominiums. The stretch between Jalan Pinang and Jalan Perak is noted for its nightlife, with restaurants such as Modesto's and Aloha Club.