Musicians
Louis Armstrong (1901-1971)
Armstrong is one of the well know musicians of the Harlem Renaissance. He grew up from a poor family and participated with bands in small clubs. He performed in funerals and parades in New Orleans. His music helped set the stage for jazz music in the future. He also appeared in films and made tours all around the world. Armstrong was a musician that was greatly known during the Harlem Renaissance and throughout his whole life. His music, like many other artists of the time, made people recognize jazz and African american music more.
Billie Holiday (1915-1959)
Billie Holiday was an influential music artist during the Harlem Renaissance. Her music was something that the people of the time were able to relate to. African Americans thought of music differently because of her. She was one of the first black women to sing with a white orchestra. She is known for her big hits made during this time period which are "What a Little Moonlight can do", "God Bless The Child', and "Strange Fruit". She died at the age of 44 as a music legend.
Chick Webb (1905-1939)
Chick Webb suffered from tuberculosis from his spine as a child. He worked as a newspaper boy to save up enough money to buy his drums. His doctor recommended that he should play an instrument to ease his bones. He was not able to read music so he instead memorized the notes. Webb and his band were one of the common winners in "The Battle of the Bands". Webb was a very skilled drummer that used the "swing style" of drumming.