Tag Archives: Ethel Waters

Rose Morgan’s House of Beauty in Harlem

rose morgan house beautyBeauty parlors were the most prevalent form of black business in Harlem in the 1920s and 1930s. A great example is this pioneering beauty entrepreneur Harlem’s Rose Morgan in a 1961 advertisement above for Gleem toothpaste (sorry for the blurriness).

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The Tree of Hope On The Boulevard of Dreams in Harlem

tree-of-hope-by

Nestled between the Lafayette Theatre  (see below) and the popular nightclub Connie’s Inn, a tall [elm] tree was rumored to bring good luck to all who touched it between 131street ans 132nd Streets on Seventh Avenue known as Boulevard of dreams. Continue reading

Mayme Hatcher Johnson, Wife Of Harlem’s “Bumpy” Johnson

bumpys wife
Mayme Hatcher Johnson, a native of North Carolina who spent most of her life in Harlem. Mrs. Johnson was born in 1914 in NC, and moved to New York City in 1938, where she found work as a waitress in a club owned by singer/actress Ethel Waters. Continue reading

Harlem’s Ananias “Nyas” Berry (video)

The handsome Ananias “Nyas” Berry (1912 – 1951), of the famous dancing Berry Brothers. He was extremely talented and precocious child star accustomed to public adoration.  Continue reading

Florence Mills, Harlem’s Sweet Little Blackbird

Florence Mills, born Florence Winfrey (January 25, 1896 – November 1, 1927), known as the “Queen of Happiness”, was an African-American cabaret singer, dancer, and comedian known for her effervescent stage presence, delicate voice, and winsome, wide-eyed beauty. Continue reading

Fredericka Carolyn “Fredi” Washington in Harlem (video)

Fredericka Carolyn “Fredi” Washington (December 23, 1903 – June 28, 1994) was an accomplished African American dramatic film actress, … Continue reading

Playboy Dickie Wells, “the most popular man in Harlem”

Harlem playboy Dickie Wells, in photo above with Billie Holiday and Tullulah Bankhead in the Club Ebony night spot in Harlem. Continue reading

Women’s History Month: Sing Me A Swing Song- Ethel Waters

TUE, 3/8, 7:00 pm at the Mayseles Cinema

A Women’s History Month Celebration: Sing Me A Swing Song: Great Jazz Vocalists – Ethel Waters

Presented by the National Jazz Museum in Harlem

Hosted by Father Peter F. O’Brien Continue reading

Walter’s World: An Evening With Ben Vereen

By Walter Rutledge

February 18, 2011 marked the return of theatrical icon Ben Vereen to the New York stage. The one night only performance was presented to a sold out crowd at Time Square’s landmark theatrical venue Town Hall. An Evening with Ben Vereen was a resounding testament to both the man and his artistic legacy.

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Valaida Snow From Harlem To The High Hat

Valaida Snow (June 2, 1904 – May 30, 1956) was an African American jazz musician and entertainer. She was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Continue reading