Harlem’s Zelda Wynn Valdes, 1940’s
The legendary Zelda Wynn Valdes (June 28, 1905 – September 26, 2001) was an African-American fashion designer and costumer. Continue reading
Pod’s And Jerry’s, A Legendary Harlem Speakeasy, Billie Holidays First Gig, And More
Pod's and Jerry's, officially the Catagonia Club, was a cabaret and jazz club on 133rd Street in Harlem, New York from 1925-1948. Continue reading
Owney “The Killer” Madden Owner Of Harlem’s Cotton Club, 1925-1931
Owen Vincent Madden, December 18, 1891 – April 24, 1965, known as Owney Madden and nicknamed "The Killer", was a leading underworld figure in Manhattan, most notable for his involvement in organized crime during Prohibition.Continue reading
In 1949, Hugh Hefner Commissions Harlem’s Zelda Wynn Valdes To Design The Playboy Bunny Custome
The legendary Harlemite Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes, June 28, 1905 – September 26, 2001, was an African-American fashion designer and customer based in Harlem who designed the original Playboy Bunny costume.Continue reading
Mae West’s Harlem State Of Mind, 1930’s (video)
Harlem has always been a combination of high and low, from the 1920's to the 1930's Mae West made a name for herself on the Vaudeville circuit with plays as a connoisseur of Harlem culture.Continue reading
Leonard Harper, Harlem, New York 1925
Leonard Harper (born April 9, 1899 in Birmingham, Alabama- died February 4, 1943, Harlem, New York) was a producer /stager/ choreographer in New York City during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and 1930s.Continue reading