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Cotton Club Boys (chorus line) facts for kids

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This page is about the male chorus line of the Cotton Club (mid– to late–1930s). For the territory band booked out of Omaha, see Cotton Club Boys (territory band).

The Cotton Club Boys were a group of talented African American dancers. They performed amazing dance routines in musical shows called "revues." These shows were put on by the famous Cotton Club from 1934 until it closed in 1940. After that, they toured with Cab Calloway's show until 1942.

They first appeared in a big show called the "Cotton Club Parade" in 1934. This was at the start of the swing era, a time when jazz music was very popular. The group's name often changed to show how many dancers were performing. For example, they might be called "The Six Cotton Club Boys" or "The 12 Cotton Club Boys."

History of the Cotton Club Boys

Many dancers from the Cotton Club Boys became very important in American arts and culture. For example, Cholly Atkins later helped create the famous Motown sound. He also worked in musical theatre and movies. Even though the Cotton Club Boys were African-American, the Cotton Club itself only allowed white customers. This was a common practice during that time.

The First Cotton Club in Harlem (1923–1936)

The Cotton Club first opened in 1923 in Harlem, a lively neighborhood in New York City. It was located on 142nd Street and Lenox Avenue. Before it was the Cotton Club, the space was a small dinner club. In 1923, a new group of owners took over. They redecorated the club and changed its name to the Cotton Club. The club sold drinks even when it was against the law during Prohibition, which ended in 1933.

Other famous dance halls were also in Harlem. The Savoy Ballroom and Smalls Paradise allowed all people, no matter their race.

The New Cotton Club in Midtown (1936–1940)

After Prohibition ended in 1933, many jazz clubs moved from Harlem. They went to Midtown, closer to Times Square. The new Cotton Club opened on September 24, 1936. It was located on Broadway and 48th Street. This area was known as the "Great White Way" because of all its bright lights. While the club was moving, some of its performers put on shows called the "Cotton Club Revue" in Harlem.

Why the Cotton Club Closed (1940)

The last show at the Cotton Club was on May 15, 1940. People said the club faced a lot of competition. The World's Fair was happening nearby, which drew crowds away. Also, there were issues with paying the musicians. After the Cotton Club closed, the building became a new nightclub called the Latin Quarter.

Dance Influences on the Cotton Club Boys

The Cotton Club Boys were influenced by dancers like John Tiller. He was famous for creating "precision dancing." This is a style where dancers perform very exact and synchronized movements. Both the Cotton Club Boys and Girls used this style in their shows.

Selected Shows: Cotton Club Boys with the Cotton Club Revue

Cotton Club Boys Performances

1934

  • 24th edition of Cotton Club Parade
    • Opened on March 23, 1934.
    • This show was the biggest one ever staged at the club.
    • Jimmie Lunceford and His Orchestra performed with singer Adelaide Hall.
    • The Cotton Club Boys made their first appearance.
    • Famous songs like "Ill Wind" were introduced.

1935

  • 26th edition of Cotton Club Parade
    • Opened on July 25, 1935.
    • Co-stars included Nina Mae McKinney.
    • Claude Hopkins and His Orchestra performed with singer Orlando Roberson.
    • The show featured both the Cotton Club Girls and Boys.
  • At the Apollo
    • The Cotton Club Revue performed at the Apollo Theater in November and December.
    • It featured Claude Hopkins and His Band.
    • Famous dancers like Cook and Brown, and Lena Horne also performed.

1936

  • 1st edition of Cotton Club Parade
  • At the Comedy Theater
    • The Cotton Club Boys were in a musical comedy called Black Rhythm.
    • It ran from December 19 to December 24, 1936.

1937

  • At the Nixon Grand Theatre, Philadelphia
    • Jimmy Lunceford and His Orchestra performed.
    • The Six Cotton Club Boys were also part of this show.

1938

  • 4th and 5th editions of Cotton Club Parade
    • These shows continued the tradition of great performances.
  • At the Apollo
    • The Luis Russell Orchestra performed.
    • The Cotton Club Boys were featured in this show.

1939

  • At the Apollo
    • Jimmy Lunceford and His Band performed.
    • The show included The Three Chocolateers and The Cotton Club Boys.
  • At the World's Fair, Hall of Music
    • The Hot Mikado also played here.
    • The Cotton Club Boys were part of this long-running show.
  • 6th edition of Cotton Club Parade
    • Opened on November 1, 1939.

1940

  • At the Apollo and on Tour
    • The Cotton Club Boys performed at the Apollo and in cities like Hartford and Montreal.
    • The Six Cotton Club Boys included Jules Adger, Louis Brown, Freddie Heron, and Charles Atkinson.
  • Cab Calloway's New Revue at the Apollo
    • Opened on November 22, 1940.
    • The Six Cotton Club Boys were among the stars.

1941

  • On Tour with Cab Calloway
  • Cab Calloway's Quizzicale
    • This was a national radio show with live performances.
    • It was broadcast from places like Camp Wheeler and Fort Dix.

1942

  • Cab Calloway's Quizzicale
    • Continued with weekly broadcasts on the Blue Network.
  • At the Casa Mañana nightclub, Culver City
    • Opened on July 23, 1942.
    • This opening was very popular, drawing many people.
  • At the Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis
    • The Cotton Club Boys performed in November 1942.
  • At the Paradise Theatre, Detroit
    • Performed from December 4–10, 1942.
    • Stars included Cholly and Dotty (dancers) and the Cotton Club Boys.

Selected Members of the Cotton Club Boys

Ten Original Members

  • Howard Johnson (also known as "Stretch Johnson")
  • Charles "Chink" Collins
  • Billy Smith (William Smith) later served in the U.S. Army as an entertainer.
  • Walter Shepherd
  • Tommy Porter (Thomas Porter)
  • Maxie Armstrong (Maxwell Armstrong, Jr.) sang in a military band during World War II.
  • Louis Brown
  • Jimmy Wright
  • Thomas "Chink" Lee (manager)
  • Eddie Morton (Edward James Morton, Jr.)

Later Members

  1. Cholly Atkins (Charles Sylvan Atkinson) started as a substitute dancer. He later became a choreographer for the Cotton Club Boys.
  • Jules Adjer (Julian Francis Adger, Jr.) was also a dancer in the 1943 film, Cabin in the Sky.
  • Freddie Heron (Frederick Clinton Heron) later worked in the restaurant business.
  • Warren Coleman
  • Roy Chink Baker
  • Al Martin
  • Ernest Frazier
  • Al Alstock (Paxton Alfonson Allstock)
  • Roy Carter
  • Sherman Coates
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