The Cotton Club

The Cotton Club was a famous nightclub in Harlem, New York City, that opened in 1923. It showcased African American musicians, dancers, and performers during the Jazz Age, featuring prominent figures like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong. Despite its rich cultural contributions, the club enforced a policy that only allowed white patrons to attend, reflecting the racial segregation of the time. The Cotton Club became a symbol of both the vibrant Harlem Renaissance and the complexities of race relations in America. It closed in 1940, but its legacy continues to influence music and cultural history.