Blacks were the whites have attended STAGE.THE TABLES.THE mafia were behind the SCENES.AND ANY WAY ALL THE MAGIC TOUCH – Jim Haskins – "The Cotton Club". In the 1890s, Harlem was the dream of the land speculator. The elevated railway lines had been extended to 129th Street in Manhattan, had transformed the area of the zones of influence of what was called "The Great Migration." At that time, black families lived mainly in the area streets between Thirty-seventh and fifty-eight Streets, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues. The upper crust of society considered Harlem as the next step upward social mobility, and consequently, splendid houses that cost thousands more than the center of comparables were built as fast as the land of Harlem could be acquired for land speculators.By 1905 the bottom of the housing market in Harlem, but fell to the ground. The land speculators were forced to face the fact that the house had been built too fast, and prices were well above what people were willing to pay for them.On verge of bankruptcy, speculators land used illegal tactics today. They decided to rent their buildings for black tenants, far above what they would charge the white tenants. Then in a frenzy to recover their losses, the land speculators came to the white owners of the building and told them if they did not buy empty buildings that are rented exclusively to blacks, which lowers the property values of white landowners. The white farmers did not bite, so the land speculators made their promises. Whites began moving to Harlem mass replaced by black families who had never lived in a neighborhood so well before. Black churches followed their congregations in the suburbs of Manhattan to the splendor of Harlem, and by early 1920, Harlem was the largest black community in America States.However, most blacks could not afford the high rents charged white building owners, and they took to the tenants, causing two and sometimes three families live in one, or two bedroom apartment. Coinciding with the overcrowding of Harlem, was the entry of illegal enterprises, such as runners, the numbers of houses of prostitution and drug dealers. This was offset somewhat when affluent blacks, especially in the entertainment business, decided to Harlem was where they could showcase their talents in a neighborhood full of people from their own race. Fritz Pollard said All American football player, who made his fortune in real estate, moved to Harlem, as well as fellow All-America football player Paul Robeson – perfect for an outstanding career in acting and singing in the stage. They were quickly followed by famous singers such as Ethel Walters and Mills Florance, and Harlem was ready for a revival like that of the White Way glowing in Broadway.However, when there was no money involved, gangster Dutch Schultz-white and Owney "The murderer" Madden were ready to jump and take profits, by force if necessary, that is the way it did business anyway. Schultz made his way in the business of the Harlem numbers to expel these remarkable black as Lady Stephanie St. Claire and Holstein Gaspar. And during the height of Prohibition, Madden had his eyes on the perfect place to sell their contraband drink: Club Deluxe at 142nd Street and Lenox Avenue.The Deluxe Club was owned by former world heavyweight champion, Jack Johnson , the first black heavyweight champion of the world. Whereas Johnson was handy with his fists, Madden and his formidable team were good with guns, knives and bats. Some choice words, backed by the threat of violence, with few dollars lying low, and Johnson gave Club Deluxe Madden and his partner / director George Demange "Frenchy" great. The two criminals renamed the heavyweight Club.Not to insult a black man with the prestige of Johnson, Johnson threw a bone Madden, and left him hanging around the whole resplendent in a tuxedo. Johnson smiled and tell everyone who asked that he was the assistant manager at DeMange.To understand why a great heavyweight boxer like Johnson cower before Madden, who was barely five feet five inches and 140 pounds, after a huge dinner, one should be aware of background.Owen Madden "Owney" Madden was born at 25 Somerset Street, in Leeds, England on December 18, 1891. In need of work, his father moved the family to Liverpool Madden. In 1903, when the young Madden had only 12, his father died, and his mother re-located his family to America, settling in the West Side of Manhattan in a neighborhood called "Hells Kitchen". Madden met with a loud band known as the Gophers. He became proficient in the most disadvantaged crimes of the day: robberies, assaults, beatings and labor racket. In order to injure and intimidate, Madden's favorite weapon was a lead pipe, wrapped in newspaper.Madden did a lot of money on a bike called the "business of insurance." As the president of his own "insurance company," Madden would visit local establishments and tell business owners that the owner needs a "safe bomb" in the case of foreigners, or perhaps Madden even himself, decided to bomb the store of the employer. Business owners learned quickly, and paid Madden demanded it. If not paid Madden, which is stores businessman was in flames and rubble in a matter of days, sometimes even hours. While Madden was a member of the Gophers, and make tons of money on their "insurance business", was arrested 44 times, but not once did you ever go to Madden prison.When was 17, he earned his nickname "The Killer. "A poor Italian immigrant did nothing wrong, except paths cross with Madden on a street in Hell's Kitchen. In front of a crowd of fellow Gophers, and anything else that stood in the street that day, Madden pulled out a gun and shot him dead Italian. Madden then stood over the body and announced to the crowd: "I am Owney Madden!" When I was 23, Madden had at least five other murders to his credit. Hence the nickname – ". The Killer "However, Madden thought he was bulletproof, until November 6, 1912, in the Arbor Ballroom, which was at the heart of territory controlled by the rival Gopher: the Hudson Dusters. Madden walked into the room by himself, as he had not a care in the world during a ball given by the Association of Dave Hyson. Madden was watching the process from the balcony, when eleven Hudson Dusters surrounded him and shot him six times Madden. Madden was rushed to hospital where a detective Madden asked who had shot him. "Nothin 'doing,'" Madden said. "It's not me who put these slugs in me. My kids have. "At the time Madden was discharged from hospital, six of his eleven robbers had been shot dead.While Madden was recovering from his wounds, one of his fellow Gophers, Little Patsy Doyle , thought he would take control of the band of Madden. Doyle was also the intention of taking back your ex girlfriend Freda Horner, who was now the sole property of Madden. Ms. Horner said Madden about the intentions of Doyle, and as a result, Madden told Ms. Doyle said that Horner would be happy to meet for a date in a room on Eighth Avenue and 41 Street. When Doyle arrived, dressed to the nines and smiles to all, two of the gunmen fired Doyle Madden dead.Being the obvious suspect, Madden was arrested three days after the murder of little Patsy Doyle. At the trial of Madden, who was surprised to discover that Miss Horner also betrayed him. Ms. Horner testified at trial that it was Madden who had established the murder Doyle. As a result, Madden was convicted and sentenced to 10-20 years in Sing Sing Prison. He did just eight years, and was released in 1923, just in time to force Jack Johnson in selling it, the Deluxe Club, also known as-The Cotton Club. At that time Madden was big on piracy with fellow Big Bill Dwyer, and the Cotton Club is the perfect place to sell their illegal hut, especially famous Madden No. 1 beer, which was considered the best beer in the city of New York. They took a man named Herman Stark as his legitimate front man / partner / director of stage, but the show within the show was run entirely by Madden and DeMange.According Jim Haskins's book The Cotton Club, when Madden was Demange joint position throughout the interior was redone "to cater for the tastes of white Downtowner for the primitive." The club did more in the "decoration of the jungle", with numerous artificial palm trees scattered throughout the facility wide , which had a capacity for 700 people. The most exquisite curtains, tablecloths, and accessories were purchased, indicating it was a "teddy late night supper club" and the exorbitant prices that highlighted this fact. The menu was varied. In addition to traditional steaks and chops, cooks Cotton Club drummed Chinese and Mexican dishes, and "Harlem" cooking as fried chicken and grilled spareribs.DeMange presides over the front door like a tyrant. A rule is perfectly clear. Although the waiters, kitchen assistants, waiters, cooks, service staff, and artists were all black, blacks were not allowed inside as clients. (The name itself – The Cotton Club – came to light brown undyed cotton.) The girls of the chorus had to be "tall, dark and terrible" which meant they had to be at least 5 feet -6 – inches tall, light skinned, and not more than twenty years. The girls also had to be expert dancers, and at least be able to carry a tune. For some unknown reason, there was no restriction on the shadow color black male dancers, who were competent in "high-stepping, turning and the snake dance." To show how strict Madden and Demange were about their segregation policy, about a month before his second start of tail, (The Cotton Club was shut down by prohibition agents for a time, every time, but local police were on the platform), the next job interview was out. Demange and Madden were present, along with her choreographer Althea Fuller, and bandleader Andy Preer. The girl was interviewed Duchamp.DeMange Queenie Madden: Boss, when the club is going to be ready to open Madden: Pigs do not cause us problems at once. They know that if we are forced to close for smuggling will not get their bonuses. So, you're missing the extra padding and the boys have complained to the sergeant. Yes, they have learned the lesson. As for the presentation of the club … we will ask Althea and Preer Andy.DeMange: Andy, how are the well? Preer ready for opening next month: We are going to be. If Althea gets her children ready, the well is ready to stomp.Althea Fuller: Boss, we had a setback. One of the girls went and found a "moral conscience". She is following her sister, a Garvey back to Africa. Shame, she was very attractive in the front line. Do not worry, boss, I have replacements ready to audition for this day. One of them looks promising and comes with a recommendation. She is in the front row, third in. .. Queenie Duchamp. First, let's see if she can remember the steps they had taught him this morning (Andy Preer leads the orchestra in "I found a new baby" and 5 dancers audition Queenie Duchamp is third from the left.). Madden:. Keep the third and fifth. The other girls are too dark and short. Althea, make sure the grill on standards and tests. We're running a small bucket operation here (Madden comes out with his bodyguards) Fuller. Queenie, come here. You got the job in a few conditions.Queenie: Anything you want Fuller.Fuller Miss: Number one – no alcohol, no kids, no drugs. No exceptions.Queenie: Yes, Miss.Fuller: Number two trials are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 1:00 pm sharp. All tests are required and delays will not be accepted. I do not know what I hear, but here are the grueling rehearsals and performances are long, with many costume changes made. That means you can not afford to be your Draggin 'ass around here. Be sure to eat and get your rest. Do you understand Queenie: Yes, Miss Fuller.Fuller: Number three – Do not mix with customers?. There are about 700 whitefolk who walk through these doors every night. And according to Mr. Madden, have only one goal here and that is to spend money. They come here to listen to the best black music and dance numbers in the city. They can act as they want to be your friend after a few drinks, but do not. Mr. Madden did not want the race mixin 'and as far as I'm concerned, I think it is better for business anyway.DeMange: If a client begins to give a white problem or try to make a connection with you, tell me. I'll take care of it. It's happened before. Sometimes these people rich get a few drinks in them and they think they own the world. Do not worry about it, just let me know. We run a tight ship here.Queenie: Yes, Mr. Demange. No problem, Mrs. Fuller. I am an artist and understand the importance of practice. In fact, I'm a singer, a blues singer! If you ever need a singer ….. (. Mrs. Fuller and Mr. Demange look at each other) Fuller: Look, lady. Your goal here is to dance, smile and follow the rules … not singing. I have it Queenie: Yes, Miss Fuller. Have it.Fuller: Another thing … stay out of trouble. You're a spectator and club world can be messy and dangerous. It need not be though. Keep to yourself and everything you do, stay out of the way Mr. Madden. If you do this, you'll be fine. Now go to the locker room for a fitting.Queenie: Yes, and Thank you, Miss Fuller.The Cotton Club was an immediate hit with waves from the center. On opening night, Fletcher Henderson's band entertained the crowd (Henderson's band was the house band until June 1931). Through radio broadcasts from all nights from the Cotton Club, Henderson's band was a success, became one of the most sought after leaders of the band in America. After Henderson was Duke Ellington's band (until 1934), then Cab Calloway and the Cotton Club Orchestra.Despite the fact the only drink served at the site was number 1 beer Madden, customers were allowed, even encouraged to bring their own alcoholic beverages that were illegally obtained elsewhere. Of course, the management had a strong development of cargo, including vessels, ice and the mixers. If a customer came unprepared and still wanted to drink instead of beer, porter, and sometimes even a waiter, was very helpful. A bottle of champagne could cost a customer $ 30, and a bottle of whiskey – $ 18, a royal sum in those days. However, customers were well healed, and no one came over prices, at least, no one who cared for his continued good weather health.After, Demange and Madden lightened a bit about the "non-black-customers -allowed "policy. This happened in 1932, just after W.C. Handy, known as "The King of Blues", was denied admission, although the band of Duke Ellington, was inside playing songs he had written practical. Ellington pleaded his case to Madden, and Madden, according to loosen its policy. But only a little black leather bit.Light allowed clients now, and darker blacks, who were few famous artists themselves. However, blacks in mixed parties was a definite no-no.Writer and photographer Carl Van Vechten wrote: "There were brutes at the door to enforce the policy of the Cotton Club, which opposed the mixed games. "Jim Haskins wrote in The Cotton Club," Only the lighter-skinned blacks gained entrance, and even they were carefully selected. club management was aware of that downtowners most whites wanted to see blacks in Harlem, not mixing with them. "Even the famous comedian Jimmy Durante, displayed blatant racism when he said:" It is not necessary to mix with people of color if I want. You have your own party and support himself. But worth seeing. How do you step! "For, went so far as to suggest that blacks were innately more violent than whites. "The racial lines are drawn here to avoid possible problems," said Durante. "Nobody wants knives, batons and fists flying. And the chances of war are less if there is no mixing. "In 1933, then installed a small problem with the IRS, and the ban has ended, Madden decided to call it a day. He handed the reins of the Cotton Club Demange, and went to Hot Springs, Arkansas, where he opened a hotel / spa, which became the favorite hideout of the new mafia of New York in the escape of the law. In fact, when New York mobster Lucky Luciano was in hiding, because a special prosecutor named Thomas E. bulldog Dewey had an arrest warrant for Luciano in a prostitution charge false and thus was in the Madden complex, where Luciano was eventually arrested after four months in the field of run.Of, Madden was still a silent partner with Demange in the Cotton Club, but the enormous benefits diminish soon, before coming to a halt in Harlem.It began with the Great Depression, which had drastically reduced the disposable income of the rich and richer than before. Downtown revelers, who had frequented the Cotton Club came less often, and came and spent less money. These same revelers got caught in the gang mentality, and as a result, an avalanche of bullets was flying in Harlem, blacks shooting targets, shooting targets, blacks and members of the same race throwing punches at each other . With so much buzz in the air lead of Harlem, white oriented Harlem clubs like the Cotton Club suffered a dramatic decrease in attendance.In addition, no area of America was the most affected by the depression of Harlem. In 1934, according to the New York Urban League, over 80% of residents of Harlem were in "Home Relief", which we now call welfare. The Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, fanned the flames of racial tensions when he began a boycott of the major white-owned stores in Harlem, in order to force them to hire more black workers. The despair and resentment emerged in the streets of Harlem, and this led to a fateful day in Harlem history.A dark-skinned 16-year-old from Puerto Rico named Lino Rivera was in a bad mood on the streets of Harlem , jobless and desperate looking for a job, any job. To pass the time, took in a movie, then went to Kress Department Store on 125th Street. There was a knife he wanted. But the knife costs ten cents and Rivera did not have a dime. Rivera had just grabbed the knife and put it in his pocket, when a male employee of the store took Rivera, and a fight ensued. As the two men were fighting and one white employee tried to subdue Rivera, a crowd of black buyers surrounded the fight, obviously in favor of Rivera. During the melee, Rivera bit the thumb of one of the white employees. The wounded man screamed: "I'm going to take to the basement and beat the crap out of you." Big mistake.Within minutes, the rumor had spread in the streets of Harlem that two white men were beating a black child to death. This false rumor received confirmation of doubtful, when a blaring ambulance stopped in front of the Kress Department Store. Never mind that the ambulance was there for the white man who was severely bitten finger.That night through the streets of Harlem erupted in chaos. Resentment born of the Depression, and how sad white people had been treating blacks in Harlem for years, hundreds of blacks rioted in the streets. White looted property and stolen goods in storage as if they had an absolute right to have it.The perception was that the white central Harlem was no longer safe for them to break into, even to see the wonderful show at the Cotton Club. In addition, black musicians and artists no longer considered the Cotton Club at the top of the stack. It became a place where artists can begin their careers, but once I realized I have, which became bigger and better things. Business became so bad at the Cotton Club, and other Harlem clubs that catered to the crowd the center of white, like a little paradise on 7th Avenue, the Harlem Cotton Club closed its doors forever on 16 February 1936.DeMange and Herman Stark, Madden blessing of Hot Springs, moved downtown Cotton Club to forty-eighth Street and Broadway, a space once occupied by the Club of Harlem. The new Cotton Club was an immediate success. Held its grand reopening on September 24, 1936. Cab Calloway and Bill "Bojangles" Robinson made that night, like Avis Andrews, Berry Brothers, and the beautiful Katherine Perry, who was so light skinned that could easily pass for white.Because was so accessible to its new location in Midtown, the Cotton Club is raking in the cash. In the third week alone, which raised more than $ 45,000, and the first sixteen weeks, the average weekly gross was $ 30,000. Prices in the articulation of the new era than that of the Cotton Club in Harlem. A sandwich meat increased from $ 1.25 to $ 2.25. Scrambled eggs with sausage Deerfield rose $ 1.25 to $ 1.50 and lobster cocktail went from $ 1.00 to $ 1.50.Still Demange and Stark in.One price kept packing them did was to reduce the burden of Club cover the Algodones. In Harlem, in order to keep "undesirables" away, the cover was $ 3 per table. However, since blacks rarely crossed the "Mason-Dixon Line" at 110th Street, the burden of the new cover of cotton Club was $ 2 for each table during dinner, and anything after that.The Club new cotton continued to thrive until the summer of 1939 when the Internal Revenue Service hit the club management with tax evasion charges. The charges hit the Cotton Club Management Corp, including Herman Stark – President George Goodrich, – Counter and Noah Braustein – Secretary-Treasurer, with four counts of failure to pay, and misappropriation of tax funds. If convicted, the three men could face up to 25 years in prison and fines up to $ 20,000 each. Surprisingly, because it was included as one of the employees, Frenchy Demange escaped prosecution. At trial, the Cotton Club Management Corp. was convicted, but the three officers escaped conviction. However, Stark had to pay a heavy fine to the government, plus $ 3,400 owed in back taxes.At the beginning of 1940, it was obvious that the Cotton Club, and Herman Stark had money problems. In addition to the Midtown high income and the effects of the Depression, the unions, especially the Union musician, had a stranglehold on Stark and benefits. Prior to his problems with the IRS, Stark was the money by removing the top to compensate for deficiencies in the unions and high entertainment payroll caused. But with the government to see the Cotton Club as a hawk, was now rubbing impossible.The Cotton Club closed its doors forever on June 10, 1940. Stark and Demange gave no official reason, but as a columnist said, the main reason was "lack of the famous profit, dirty old." However, this explanation is overly simplistic. Of course the money was a problem, but also the pleasure of the United States for music like Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway was also changing. The younger generation of Americans were fascinated with jazz and the new "swing" styles of white bandleaders as Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, and the "King of Swing" – Benny Goodman.The Cotton Club was a great idea whose time of life had reached its conclusion. Black artists who had cut his teeth working at the Cotton Club, people like Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne and all went on to establish long and wonderful career. But the concept of a nightclub with all the black entertainment and did not appeal to mainstream white America.The Cotton Club closed because it was a concept that had become, then, like a golden rose slowly died.Still, the memory, and the impact of the Cotton Club in society will endure as long as song and dance remain an integral part of our American culture.
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