top of page
Harlem Renaissance
{Zoot suits, flappers and the Cotton Club scene}
Josephine Baker Doing the Charleston, 1926
The first African American woman to star in a motion picture, to perform with an integrated cast at the American concert hall, and one of the first African American entertainers who achieved acclaim both in movies and on the stage.
King & Carter Jazzing Orchestra, 1921
NY Cotton Club, 1930
Zoot Suits!
Zora Neale Hurston, 1937
Harlem Women, 1925
Pekin Theatre in Chicago, 1920
Considered the first Chicago theatre owned and operated by African Americans, many early jazz artists played there, most notably Joe "King" Oliver in the upstairs Beaux Arts Cafe
Music that Defined an Era
During the 1920s, Louis Armstrong made a significant impact during the Harlem Renaissance within the Jazz world. His music touched many, including a well-known poet named Langston Hughes.
Hep Cats
Lillyn Brown, 1920
Lillyn Brown was an American singer, vaudeville entertainer and teacher who claimed to have been "the first professional vocalist to sing the blues in front of the public," in 1908. She was billed as "The Kate Smith of Harlem."
Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes was an American poet, social activist, novelist and playwright from Joplin, Missouri. One of the earliest innovators of the literary art form called jazz poetry, Hughes is best known as a leader of the Harlem Renaissance.
Eddie "Rochester" Anderson
An American actor and comedian that performed on early radio and television comedy.
Zoot Suits Galore!
Black Swan Records, 1921
The only record label using exclusively African American talent.
Josephine Baker Doing the Charleston, 1926
The first African American woman to star in a motion picture, to perform with an integrated cast at the American concert hall, and one of the first African American entertainers who achieved acclaim both in movies and on the stage.
King & Carter Jazzing Orchestra, 1921
NY Cotton Club, 1930
Zoot Suits!
Zora Neale Hurston, 1937
Harlem Women, 1925
Pekin Theatre in Chicago, 1920
Considered the first Chicago theatre owned and operated by African Americans, many early jazz artists played there, most notably Joe "King" Oliver in the upstairs Beaux Arts Cafe
Music that Defined an Era
During the 1920s, Louis Armstrong made a significant impact during the Harlem Renaissance within the Jazz world. His music touched many, including a well-known poet named Langston Hughes.
Hep Cats
Lillyn Brown, 1920
Lillyn Brown was an American singer, vaudeville entertainer and teacher who claimed to have been "the first professional vocalist to sing the blues in front of the public," in 1908. She was billed as "The Kate Smith of Harlem."
Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes was an American poet, social activist, novelist and playwright from Joplin, Missouri. One of the earliest innovators of the literary art form called jazz poetry, Hughes is best known as a leader of the Harlem Renaissance.
Eddie "Rochester" Anderson
An American actor and comedian that performed on early radio and television comedy.
Zoot Suits Galore!
Black Swan Records, 1921
The only record label using exclusively African American talent.
Josephine Baker Doing the Charleston, 1926
The first African American woman to star in a motion picture, to perform with an integrated cast at the American concert hall, and one of the first African American entertainers who achieved acclaim both in movies and on the stage.
King & Carter Jazzing Orchestra, 1921
NY Cotton Club, 1930
Zoot Suits!
Zora Neale Hurston, 1937
Harlem Women, 1925
Pekin Theatre in Chicago, 1920
Considered the first Chicago theatre owned and operated by African Americans, many early jazz artists played there, most notably Joe "King" Oliver in the upstairs Beaux Arts Cafe
Music that Defined an Era
During the 1920s, Louis Armstrong made a significant impact during the Harlem Renaissance within the Jazz world. His music touched many, including a well-known poet named Langston Hughes.
Hep Cats
Lillyn Brown, 1920
Lillyn Brown was an American singer, vaudeville entertainer and teacher who claimed to have been "the first professional vocalist to sing the blues in front of the public," in 1908. She was billed as "The Kate Smith of Harlem."
Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes was an American poet, social activist, novelist and playwright from Joplin, Missouri. One of the earliest innovators of the literary art form called jazz poetry, Hughes is best known as a leader of the Harlem Renaissance.
Eddie "Rochester" Anderson
An American actor and comedian that performed on early radio and television comedy.
Zoot Suits Galore!
Black Swan Records, 1921
The only record label using exclusively African American talent.
bottom of page