d) The Cotton Club

The Cotton Club, an iconic Harlem jazz club, was a launchpad for many famous jazz musicians during the Harlem Renaissance. Opened in 1923, it was a whites-only establishment that featured many of the greatest African American performers of the era, including Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, and Lena Horne. The club was known for its lavish productions that combined music, dance, and comedy. Despite the racial segregation and exploitation of the performers, the Cotton Club played a crucial role in the development of jazz and the promotion of African American culture. The performances at the club were broadcast on national radio, giving wider exposure to jazz and the talents of its performers. The Cotton Club’s legacy is complex, reflecting both the racial dynamics of its time and its contribution to American music and entertainment history.