Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was an American composer, pianist, and leader of a jazz orchestra, which he led from 1923 until his death over a career spanning more than fifty years. The song "Take the A Train" was composed in 1939 and was written by Billy Strayhorn. The New York subway line to the Sugar Hill District of Harlem is the experience being talked about, and writing the song was so easy for Strayhorn that he said it was "like writing a letter to a friend.
The Blues Are Brewin' - Billie Holiday
Eleanora Fagan, better known as Billie Holiday, was an American jazz singer with a career spanning nearly thirty years. Nicknamed "Lady Day" by her friend and music partner Lester Young, Holiday had a seminal influence on jazz music and pop singing. This song was released in the early 1940s and was remarkable considering all the tragedies Holiday went through throughout her life.
Their Eyes Were Watching God
"Their Eyes Were Watching God" was written in 1937 by Zora Neale Hurston. The novel focuses on its main character, Janie Crawford, and tells a story in dialect about her whole life. This story has elements of mythic realism.
Not Without Laughter
"Not Without Laughter" was written in 1930 by Langston Hughes. The book is about the main character Sandy Rodgers, a young boy, who awakens "to the sad and beautiful realities of black life in a small Kansas Town. Hughes wrote it as a semi-autobiographical based on aspects of his real childhood life.
Alain Leroy Locke
Alain Leroy Locke was a writer, philosopher, and educator during the Harlem Renaissance. He is known for being the editor of “The New Negro”. He had very strong beliefs about potential black equality during this time.
Aaron Douglas
Aaron Douglas was an painter and graphic artist who played a leading role in the Harlem Renaissance. His first big job was illustrating Alain Locke’s “The New Negro”, which then caused requests from other writers in Harlem.
Going to Church
Connor Helm
William Johnson was an African American artist who created innovative pieces with his specific style of artwork. He was born and grew up in Florence, SC and went to New York for college. After college he went to France where he stayed until around 1938, then he made his way back to the United States. This painting is relevant to the Renaissance because it shows how the life of African Americans were back during this time period.
The Builders
Connor Helm
Jacob Lawrence was an African American painter, storyteller, and interpreter who was known for his portrayal of African American life in his works. This painting shows the Renaissance because it shows the fact about how African Americans and whites had to work together to get jobs done better and faster.
The Apollo Theater
The Apollo Theater is a key location during the Harlem Renaissance. It was built in 1914 and was also a key role in many genres of music such as R&B, Soul, Blues, Jazz, Swing, Bebop, etc.
The Cotton Club
The Cotton Club was one of many night cubs erected during the Harlem Renaissance. Night Clubs were a prime hangout spot for people, because of the atmosphere that was seated by the jazz bands, alcohol, and dancing. The Cotton Club was among one of the most famous night clubs around.
