In the early 20th century, African-American families began migrating from Black Bohemia to Harlem, a neighborhood around New York City due to several factors such as the occurrence of natural disasters and World War I. Famously known as The Great Migration, this population explosion of African-American families turned Harlem into an epicenter of the cultural revolution of the blacks. If you have been a hardcore fan of swing & jazz, then you must have heard the term ‘Harlem Renaissance’. Yes, you’ve guessed it right. It is this socio-cultural revolution that has been popularly termed as renaissance centered in Harlem. During this golden age of dance, music, art, and performances, many black artists came to the fore of popularity. Even to this day, their songs are played on big band swing music radio. Do you want to know the artists who were intertwined with the Harlem Renaissance? Here, we will discuss and pay attribute to such musicians who are and will be etched in our hearts forever.
Louis Armstrong
– Born in New Orleans, Louis Armstrong
played in small bands in Chicago. But in the late 1920s, Armstrong made his
headway in NYC’s Harlem neighborhood. His first break in career came when he
got the opportunity for playing music for the Fletcher Henderson Band in New
York City. As he became a part of the most popular jazz band of Harlem, Louis
Armstrong impacted the Northern audience tremendously. With his unique solos,
the jazz legend introduced swing elements into the band’s music arrangement.
Apart from music, Armstrong made his presence felt in the field of visual
entertainment by becoming the first African-American artist to feature in a
Hollywood movie.
Duke Ellington
– With over a thousand compositions to
his credit, Duke Ellington moved from Washington DC to New York City with his
music band. By virtue of his talent and experience, Ellington soon got the
opportunity of performing at the famous Kentucky Club in NYC. Also, securing a
three-year agreement of performing at the Cotton Club added a feather to the
achievements of the band. Although he performed across regions and continents,
Duke Ellington remained strongly connected to the socio-cultural fabric of New
York City. In fact, the signature tune of the band ‘Take the A Train’ was based
on a subway line in NYC. In 1974, Ellington breathed his last and was buried in
Bronx of New York City.
Billie Holiday
– Popularly known as Lady Day, Billie
Holiday started her career as a singer by performing at the night clubs of
Harlem. After being noticed by John Hammond, the famous music producer, Holiday
got her big break of recording for Benny Goodman’s orchestra. Although she
performed regularly for the elite white audience, Billie Holiday was unafraid
of talking about the plight of the black people through her music. In 1935, the
singer gave back to back hits with ‘Miss Brown to you’ and ‘What a Little
Moonlight Can Do’. Want to listen to these golden compositions once again? To
enjoy old time radio recording in the USA, tune into Swing
Street Radio.
Fats Waller – Any discussion on the Harlem Renaissance would remain
incomplete without talking about Fats Waller, the incredibly talented jazz
pianist. With wonderful compositions like ‘Honeysuckle Rose’ and ‘Ain’t
Misbehavin’, the musician laid the groundwork for jazz piano. Born and brought
up in New York City, Waller was only 15 when he started performing in the
Lincoln Theatre. Apart from featuring frequently in New York-based radio and
entertainment shows, the artist also appeared in a handful of Hollywood
movies. Even though he secured engagements in Chicago and Philadelphia,
Waller was rooted in Harlem until he passed away.
