Harlem was at its swingiest in the 1920’s! There were many speakeasies & clubs around, but the biggest & best was the Cotton Club, owned in 1923 by bootlegger & mobster Owney Madden. The Cotton Club was a “white guests only” venue with primarily black entertainers. In 1927 Duke Ellington led the jazz orchestra. In 1931, Cab Calloway took over as bandleader & blew the crowd away with his exuberant performance style. Lena Horne, the Nicholas Brothers, & many great black artists got their start at the Cotton Club. Learn about the COTTON CLUB’S significant contribution to the HARLEM RENAISSANCE and JAZZ AGE of the 1920’s Cotton Club! Lots of film clips, dance, and music!