Duke Ellington, Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen and the Sound of the Harlem RenaissanceNew 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.
