Harlem Heyday

Schiffman, Jack

ISBN 10: 0879752475 / ISBN 13: 9780879752477

Published by Prometheus Books, 1984

Missing dust jacket; May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0879752475I4N01

Synopsis:

"Harlem Heyday" vividly describes the special magic of Harlem's 'Heyday Years' - from the thirties to the seventies - which left a singular and enduring imprint on the world of entertainment. The author, son of the guiding spirit of the Apollo Theatre and witness to the enchantment and excitement of these years, recounts many amusing anecdotes about the singers, dancers, musicians and comedians who performed there and at the Lafayette. He follows the evolution of their art and describes how the early pioneers paved the way for the black superstars of today. The Apollo Theatre was just another uptown variety house when Frank Schiffman and Leo Brecher took over the old "Hurtig and Seamon" in 1935. This was the birth of a unique institution in American cultural history. Almost every black entertainer in modern history has, at one time or another, strutted across the stage of the Apollo. Legendary performers like Billie Holliday, Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson, Nat 'King' Cole, and Charlie 'Bird' Parker, as well as acclaimed modern entertainers like Lena Horne, Richard Pryor, Stevie Wonder, Flip Wilson, and Diana Ross and the Supremes are all part of the colourful and dramatic story of the Apollo. This book is heavily illustrated with photographs of the stars of the 'uptown' theatres and choice memorabilia, including vintage theatre programs and newspaper advertisements. There are chapters detailing the history of Harlem, jazz, the blues and gospel music, and dance and comedy at the Apollo.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Harlem Heyday
Publisher: Prometheus Books
Publication Date: 1984
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Very Good
Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket