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"We used to play the Savoy Ballroom, and we always had a boogie tune in the set. Bands like Tommy Dorsey used to do a little boogie woogie. The Big Bands." - Jay McShann
The Savoy ballroom was an extremely popular
dance club that covered a whole city block on
Lenox Ave. The Savoy Ballroom had two bands
playing at all times so that the music never stopped. Rumor has it that the Savoy Ballroom was so popular that the dance floors had to be completely redone every three years.
The Cotton Club was a "whites-only" club located on 142nd Street and Lenox Ave. Although this establishment was a "wites-only" nightclub many of the most talented African American performers performed there. On any given night you could be entertained by the likes of the Nichols Brothers,
Cab Calloway and many more.
Last but not least Smalls Paradise or Smalls Jazz club was
a widely popular venue on Seventh Ave. Smalls Paradise
was owned and operated by Ed Smalls, the first African
American club owner in Harlem. This club is a great
environment for everybody, the rollerskating staff offers a
great entertainment in itself, and the club has no cover fee.
Top 3 Clubs in Harlem