During the Harlem Renaissance, the clubs were some of the greatest places to be, especially for young artists. These are just some of many pictures that are a part of the club scene of the Harlem Renaissance.
Top left- The Cotton Club was one of the top spots for black entertainers during the Harlem Renaissance. Picture was taken in 1925 when Owney Madden owned the place. Only whites were allowed to enter as guests, but it was the goal of artists during the Renaissance to be able to perform here.
Top Middle- The "Chorus Girls" of the Cotton Club were young, tall, and light skinned. They performed while the band was playing to keep the white men entertained. Many careers were launched by these girls because of this. Picture taken around 1927
Top right- Savoy Ballroom was another hot club during the Harlem Renaissance, but unlike the Cotton Club there was a mingling of the different races. This picture was taken around 1927. Here, bands would compete with each in a test to see who was better with the crowd deciding. Also, the Lindy Hop was a dance created here.
Middle Top Left- The Club Scene was known for its dance, especially the Swing, which is pictured here. This picture was taken in 1928 in the Savoy Ballroom, where the Swing was huge. In Savoy, there was a part of the floor called the Cat's Corner, where only the best dancers would venture.
Middle Top Middle- Taken in 1926, it shows some of the female performers during the Harlem Renaissance. Notice their short showy outfits, which were used as eye candy for the men that went to the clubs.
Middle Top Right- In 1924, these women are performing in front of a live band at the Cotton Club, where they are being viewed by white men.
Middle Bottom Left- Most of the famous people of the Harlem Renaissance performed in these clubs in order to gain exposure and to have musical battles. This 1925 picture shows that Duke Ellington is playing in that spot that night.
Middle Bottom Middle- This cartoon drawing shows the street that the main two clubs, Savoy and Cotton Club, were located. The hub of the club scene was actually close together.
Middle Bottom Right- A empty Savoy Ballroom in 1926, which shows how small these clubs actually were. The ballroom would get rather full at night, but dancing would still go on.
Bottom Left- Just a few of the many famous people that were a major part of the club scene, during the Harlem Renaissance. Not only was there music at these clubs, but also some poetry readings and much more.
Bottom Middle- This is at a club called Clifton's taken in 1928, where there is a long line to try to get in. It was not always easy to be able to get into these clubs and often times one had to know someone. Lines were often long like seen here.
Top Middle- The "Chorus Girls" of the Cotton Club were young, tall, and light skinned. They performed while the band was playing to keep the white men entertained. Many careers were launched by these girls because of this. Picture taken around 1927
Top right- Savoy Ballroom was another hot club during the Harlem Renaissance, but unlike the Cotton Club there was a mingling of the different races. This picture was taken around 1927. Here, bands would compete with each in a test to see who was better with the crowd deciding. Also, the Lindy Hop was a dance created here.
Middle Top Left- The Club Scene was known for its dance, especially the Swing, which is pictured here. This picture was taken in 1928 in the Savoy Ballroom, where the Swing was huge. In Savoy, there was a part of the floor called the Cat's Corner, where only the best dancers would venture.
Middle Top Middle- Taken in 1926, it shows some of the female performers during the Harlem Renaissance. Notice their short showy outfits, which were used as eye candy for the men that went to the clubs.
Middle Top Right- In 1924, these women are performing in front of a live band at the Cotton Club, where they are being viewed by white men.
Middle Bottom Left- Most of the famous people of the Harlem Renaissance performed in these clubs in order to gain exposure and to have musical battles. This 1925 picture shows that Duke Ellington is playing in that spot that night.
Middle Bottom Middle- This cartoon drawing shows the street that the main two clubs, Savoy and Cotton Club, were located. The hub of the club scene was actually close together.
Middle Bottom Right- A empty Savoy Ballroom in 1926, which shows how small these clubs actually were. The ballroom would get rather full at night, but dancing would still go on.
Bottom Left- Just a few of the many famous people that were a major part of the club scene, during the Harlem Renaissance. Not only was there music at these clubs, but also some poetry readings and much more.
Bottom Middle- This is at a club called Clifton's taken in 1928, where there is a long line to try to get in. It was not always easy to be able to get into these clubs and often times one had to know someone. Lines were often long like seen here.