Harlem Renaissance

The Harlem Renaissance wasn't a music genre per se, but a cultural movement that spanned the 1920s and 1930s, deeply influencing music, particularly jazz, blues, and classical music, through an explosion of African American creativity centered in Harlem, New York. The era's music is characterized by its innovative blend of African American musical traditions such as blues and jazz with a keen edge of improvisation and social commentary. Artists like Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday brought profound emotional depth and complex musicianship to jazz, while composers like William Grant Still infused classical music with themes and rhythms inspired by African American culture. The vibrancy and dynamism of the Harlem Renaissance reshaped America's musical landscape, leaving a legacy of artistic empowerment and pioneering sounds that continue to influence music around the world.

Sweet Rhythm, Bitter Blues - The Legacy of Ethel Waters

Ethel Waters

Album - 11 Tracks - Released June 6, 2025