Duke Ellington, Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen and the Sound of the
Harlem Renaissance
New York City, uptown, Harlem. In the 1920s it was the most exciting
place in the world. Poets, writers, dancers, and musicians all came
together and invented a new American culture - a dazzling and
revolutionary African American culture of music and poetry and art.
Everyone who was anyone wanted to come to Harlem and hear the music of
jazz genius Duke Ellington, the rap-like stylings of Langston Hughes,
and the classical lyricism of Countee Cullen. It was a true time of
rebirth for African Americans who were striving for recognition and
respect. It was The Harlem Renaissance - an explosive celebration of
African American life and culture like the world had never seen before.
It produced some of the 20th century's greatest and most influential
artists; artists like Ellington, Hughes, and Cullen, who are remembered
and loved today.
Filled with energy and the spirit of freedom and creative expression,
the Harlem Renaissance changed America forever. Hear it and experience
it yourself in The Harlem Renaissance Remembered.