Narrated by Warren Schaefer ; performances by Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Nat King Cole, Lena Horne, and Dorothy Dandridge. Bonus performance clips: Your feets too big / Fats Waller ; I'm a shy guy / Nat King Cole ; Take me back baby / Count Basie, Jimmy Rushing ; Caravan / Mills Brothers ; Calypso blues / Nat King Cole ; The start of something big / Count Basie ; Romance without finance / Tiny Grimes ; Swinging on nothin' / Louis Armstrong ; Salt peanuts / Dizzy Gillespie ; That's my girl / Nat King Cole ; Satin doll / Duke Ellington. Copyright date taken from closing credits.
Summary:
In the 1920s, African-American literature, art, music, dance, and social commentary flourished in Harlem, in uptown New York City. This cultural movement, which redefined African-American expression, became known as the Harlem Renaissance. Music became the centerpiece that this movement was built around, launching an artistic awakening rather than a social revolt. Featuring commentary from historians and the performers themselves, this program traces the roots of the music, its social impact on society and its eventual acceptance in mainstream culture.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.