The Cotton Club (the venue)

The Cotton Club was a famous nightclub in Harlem, New York City, operating mainly in the 1920s and early 1930s. It was renowned for its live jazz performances and entertainment, attracting legendary artists like Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway. The venue was white-owned but showcased Black performers and audiences, often reflecting the racial segregation of the era. The club played a significant role in popularizing jazz music and African-American culture, becoming an iconic symbol of the Harlem Renaissance. Despite its cultural impact, its history also includes complexities related to racism and exclusivity.