| The Harlem Renaissance
 The Harlem Renaissance coincided with the Jazz Age. Although some believe the Harlem Renaissance was simply a literary movement, some historians link the period to all types of entertainment. To learn about the Harlem Renaissance Literary Movement, go here. Black activities in music and theater during the time reflected a desire to display African American culture to the public. Many Jazz artists such as Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Coleman Hawkins played for white audiences, as they soaked in the trendy black music scene. Many black theater productions were performed during the 1920s.
Eubie Blake and Noble Sissle were prominent musical comedy writers. The musical comedy Shuffle Along is credited with starting the Harlem Renaissance. The show boosted the careers of Florence Mills, Josephine Baker, and Mabel Mercer. Paul Robeson was a more serious actor and starred in Othello and became famous for his singing talents.
Musicians of the Harlem Renaissance
   
The characters of the popular 1920s novel, The Great Gatsby exemplify the spirit of the Jazz Age and the Roaring Twenties.
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