Top Swing Artists that Emerged from the Harlem Renaissance

 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.

 

Conclusion – The Harlem Renaissance contributed heavily towards the development of modern jazz & swing as well as manifested the cultural legacy of the African-American communities. Even after so many decades, the socio-cultural implications stemming from this renaissance are still deeply rooted in the social fabric of America. To keep alive the spirit and impact of such legendary musicians, you can tune into swing jazz radio and encourage your friends and family to do the same.