Due to The Great Migration, many African American were moving North, and most of them into Harlem, New York. The Harlem Renaissance also known as the “Negro Movement” started in the 1920’s-1930’s.It was an outburst of creativity activities among African Americans. It embraced all aspects of art, music, dance, film, theatre and cabaret. Harlem Night life became known for their jazz bands and the dance halls. Through the jazz and dances they were able to express their revolting ideas.

During the jazz movement Louis Armstrong became one of the most important musician. Born into the poor section of Louisiana, Louis Armstrong believed strongly in music. He loved to play his trumpet and enjoyed improvising while singing. Mr. Armstrong was inspired by Joe King Oliver. In his teens he moved to Chicago were jazz was the hottest thing and Oliver was known for his great band. Armstrong joined the band of Oliver and became known for his solo. He realized that he had greater opportunity’s in New York, he moved there and also became part of the hottest band named “The Fletcher Henderson Orchestra”; were he played the trumpet. He became famous for his hits “Potato Head Blues, West End Blues, Hello, and Dolly” which topped the British Charts then topped the U.S charts as well.

Aaron Douglas was born on May 26, 1889 in Topeka, Kansas. Douglas mother pushed him to continue his dreams in art. He was inspired by a African American painter, named Henry Ossawa Tanner. He attended the University of Nebraska and graduated with a B.A. in Fine Arts in Later on he became a high school teacher, at Lincoln High in Topeka. He has been called “The Father of African-American Art” He earned his title by his dedication for art and his hard work. He opened the doors for future African-Americans artist to express in their creations movements and depictions from their experiences as African-Americans.

Her real name is Eleanora Fagan, born April 7, 1915 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In the year of 1930 Billie started her singing career at New York’s local clubs were she renamed her self “Billie”. She was discovered by a producer named John Hammond. She also meet Saxophonist Lester Young, who gave her the nicknamed “Lady Day”. She is known for her distinctive phrasing and soulful, soft, but yet strong voice. She recorded three of the well known songs of her time, “Stranger Fruit”(1939), “God Bless the Child”(1939) and “Lover Man”(1944). With success came downfalls, she fell into drugs and alcohol and was arrested on narcotics related charges. Putting aside her bad times she was recognize as one of the best jazz vocalists of all time.

Billie Holiday Biography ( ) 2006 A&E Television Net. Short Biography of Louis ArmstrongCopyright Funeral Procession. Copyright 2008.Ellis Wilson