In the time of bootlegging, charcoal lungs, and The Great Gatsby, the Harlem Renaissance was booming. Instead of learning about Ella Fitzgerald in school, I could confidently give you an essay about how the green light is somehow connected to Nick Carraway’s bedroom curtains.
In other words, when was the last time the Harlem Renaissance has occupied your thoughts? That is why I’m here to provide you with WONDERFUL music for your virgin ears. A few recommendations I’d give would be Ethel Waters, Billie Holiday, and as previously mentioned, Ella Fitzgerald. Their voices seep through the static of the vinyl like honey, something lovingly soothing to listen to on Sunday mornings. And of course, Louis Armstrong, as most of our generation would recognize as that one singer from the movie Madagascar (a compliment to Mr. Louis). His raspy voice shook America, singing half the nation to sleep after a long day. Lastly, I’d love to end this appreciation piece with a nod to one of my favorites, The Ink Spots. A black jazz music quartet that eerily reminds me of Boys ll Men. Hits such as “I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire” and “We’ll Meet Again”, and my personal favorite “Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall” featuring Ella Fitzgerald. For a band of lengthy song names, they have very short songs, but I hope you guys could take the time out of your day to groove to something on this list. Now I hope this article has motivated you to scramble through your grandparents Vinyl collection and sell them on eBay. In our next issue, we will be covering more modern music (Not sure what my con-writer is choosing but I’m hoping Steve Lacy.)
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