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Famous Harlem Renaissance People
During the early 20th century, African-American poets, musicians, actors, artists and intellectuals moved to Harlem in New York City and brought new ideas that shifted the culture forever. From approximately 1918 to the mid 1930s, talent began to overflow within this newfound culture of the black community in Harlem, as prominent figures—Langston Hughes, Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday, to name a few—pushed art to its limit as a form of expression and representation. These are some of the famous African Americans who shaped the influential movement known as the Harlem Renaissance.
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Featured Harlem Renaissance People
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Billie Holiday
- In these groups:
- Famous Harlem Residents
- Apollo Legends
- Foremothers of Rock
Billie Holiday
Singer / 1915 - 1959
Billie Holiday was one of the most influential jazz singers of all time. She had a thriving career for many years before she lost her battle with addiction.
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Duke Ellington
- In these groups:
- Famous Harlem Residents
- Famous Jazz Musicians
- The Ed Sullivan Show Guests
Duke Ellington
Songwriter, Conductor, Pianist / 1899 - 1974
An originator of big-band jazz, Duke Ellington was an American composer, pianist and bandleader who composed thousands of scores over his 50-year career.
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Henry Allen
- In these groups:
- Famous Capricorns
- Famous Harlem Renaissance People
- Famous Trumpet Players
Henry Allen
Trumpet Player / 1908 - 1967
Jazz trumpeter Henry Allen belonged to Fletcher Henderson’s big band, was in Mills Blue Rhythm band and accompanied Louis Armstrong in Luis Russell’s band.
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Arna Bontemps
- In these groups:
- Famous Libras
- Famous Harlem Renaissance People
- Famous Poets
Arna Bontemps
Editor, Author, Poet / 1902 - 1973
Arna Bontemps was an African-American author best known for his novels, children’s books and poems written during the 1930s-1970s.
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Florence Mills
- In these groups:
- Famous Aquarians
- Famous Harlem Renaissance People
- Famous Singers
Florence Mills
Dancer, Singer / 1896 - 1927
Performer Florence Mills captivated audiences during the Jazz Age and Harlem Renaissance. She performed on Broadway in 1922’s Plantation Revue. -
Jacob Lawrence
- In these groups:
- Famous Black Artists
- Famous Academics
- Famous Virgoans
Jacob Lawrence
Academic, Painter / 1917 - 2000
Jacob Lawrence was an American painter, and the most widely acclaimed African-American artist of the 20th century. He is best known for his Migration Series.
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