by Sheila Evans
published in Harlem Torch magazine
If there is one famous place in Harlem that is almost synonymous with tourism, it's the Cotton Club! During the 1920s when Harlem was in its tourism heyday, the Cotton Club was the undisputed King of its nightlife. It is still with us today attracting tourists and locals alike, thanks to current owner John Beatty. Mr. 'B' as his employees affectionately call him owns the rights to the name and reopened the Cotton Club in December of 1977. Recently, he made a licensing deal with a Japense Corporation and now there is a "Cotton Club 2" in Tokyo.
Mr. Beatty's idea is to keep the legacy of one of America's premier entertainment establishments alive. As a black man, he wants to preserve the Cotton Club's thrilling history which launched a galaxy of black stars. Musician's like Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway; singers like Ethel Waters and Lena Horne all worked the club. Dancers like Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson and the Nicholas Brothers performed there. The gorgeous Dorothy Dandridge worked there with her sisters and the list goes on and on. Many white music writers became rich and famous at the Cotton Club as well; writers like Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh and Harold Arlen. Legendary songs that became standards like "Stormy Weather" and "I’ve Got the World on a String" premiered at the club.
Prominent stars of the era including Fanny Brice, Mae West, Jimmy Durante and Cole Porter frequented the Cotton Club as did many politicos like Mayor Jimmy Walker. The people it attracted were all glitterati including gangsters like Dutch Schultz. George Gershwin often showed up and regularly hung out in Harlem...and what eventually came out of that was the opera "Porgy and Bess."
Originally, the Cotton Club was around from 1923 until 1940, (within that time it closed temporarily twice). The first location was at 142nd Street and Lenox Avenue. The club began in 1920 as Club Deluxe, owned by the first black heavy weight champion, Jack Johnson. Johnson sold his club to a syndicate crime boss, Owen "Owney" Madden. Madden had no way of knowing that he would make entertainment history with his purchase. Changing the club’s name to the Cotton Club was serendipitous, he did not know that name would rise to the outer stratosphere of show business and help to make Harlem famous worldwide. However, he did know that owning a club in Harlem during prohibition was ideal for selling illegal alcohol. He suspected that he could sell a lot of it to whites who would come uptown to drink. The Cotton Club was a perfect front and tourism in Harlem exploded. Mob control over Harlem’s night life at that time was no secret and in fact added to its allure.
Simultaneously as the underworld exploited black talent and sold illegal booze, black entrepreneurs along with many of the nation’s black scholars were also in Harlem with a different purpose. Some were writing and fighting against racism and bigotry. Harlem was becoming the epicenter of black America. Prohibition, the Harlem Renaissance and the Cotton Club are eternally linked.
While the Cotton Club showcased amazing black beauty and talent, it also had a well known, all white patron policy back in the day. Its other policy of hiring only fair skinned black women was also notorious. Of course all of that changed under the ownership of John Beatty.
The stock market crash of 1929 and the end of prohibition took its toll on the Harlem Renaissance. The Cotton Club was moved downtown to 48th Street and Broadway where is stayed until 1940, making its comeback in 1977.
The contemporary Cotton Club has its own cachet. The ambiance reminds us of the past, but it is definitely a place that's happening now. Located on 125th Street (aka Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) near the West Side Highway, the quaintly shaped building prominently displays the Cotton Club logo. It sits proudly alone on a little island of land that includes a small parking lot. Inside, there is a feeling of intimacy. As you enter, you know that you are in a special spot. John Beatty, a sharp entrepreneur and savvy businessman took special care with the club's decor. On the walls are sensational photos from the past. The upper level feels private while the lower level offers a view of the stage from any seat in the house. The entertainment line-up includes a Saturday and Sunday Gospel Brunch that is a major attraction. Church groups from all over the country and tourists from all over the world pack in for the brunch. Helen Slade and the Spirit of Love Singers all have amazing voices and their soul stirring selections are guaranteed to work the crowds into a frenzy.
Monday is Swing Dance Night. Dinner is served beginning at 8:00 p.m. the menu is ala carte. The music starts at 8:30 p.m. when the hard hitting line-up sizzles kicked off by the legendary Cotton Club ALL STARS, a world class band with star musicians. The band consists of a 13 piece swing orchestra and the club also has a 7 piece Blues and Jazz band (both available for hire). The ALL STARS are then joined by Princess Billy who conjures up the past with her lovely period gowns and beautiful song styling. Up next, the Cotton Club's Sophisticated Ladies, featuring Dormeshia Edwards, followed by a 14 year old guitar Phenom named Solomon Hicks, who is followed by the incredible tap dancing of Omar Edwards. There is a drum roll by "Tyrone."
Mr. 'B' carefully selects all of his talent and wait staff. The Cotton Club is available for private functions.
It is also important to mention that in order to save the Cotton Club from demolition, John Beatty recently went up against the expansion plans of giant Columbia University. Columbia wanted the space, and there was talk of Eminent Domain. During a Television interview Mr. Beatty accused Columbia of taking a racist posture in their attempt to demolish the Cotton Club. Columbia has since altered their plan, and is no longer interested in the Cotton Club's location.
During this global recession, Cotton Club New York and Cotton Club Toyko are both experiencing success. Mr. 'B' is now in negotiations with people in Dubai and a major hotel in Las Vegas. Cotton Club 3 and 4 on the horizon? Stay tuned....
For more information visit:
www.CottonClub-NewYork.com
