Harlem Playgirls facts for kids

The Harlem Playgirls was an exciting African American swing band. They were active in the Midwest and other parts of the United States. The band played music from the mid-1930s to the early 1940s. They were known for their lively performances and talented musicians.

Band History

The Harlem Playgirls band was started in 1935. A drummer and band leader named Sylvester Rice (1905–1984) from Milwaukee organized the group. Some of the musicians came from another popular band called the The Dixie Sweethearts.

The band toured on what were called TOBA circuits. This meant they performed in many different places. They played in movie theaters, jazz clubs, large ballrooms, and variety theaters.

The Harlem Playgirls had two main leaders who sang and danced. These were Eddie Crump and Neliska Ann "Baby" Briscoe. They led the band from the front of the stage. Neliska Ann Briscoe was already famous from New Orleans. She had even worked with Lil Hardin Armstrong’s all-female band before.

Two of the band's best soloists were Lela Julius, who played the trombone, and Vi Burnside, who played the saxophone.

The band performed at the famous Apollo Theater in New York City in 1937. In 1938, they competed in a big "battle of the bands" contest. This was at Chicago’s Savoy ballroom. They played against Johnny Long’s group. A "battle of the bands" is a competition where different musical groups play to see who is the best.

After the Harlem Playgirls, many of their members went on to play in other famous all-female bands. These included the International Sweethearts of Rhythm and the Prairie View Co-eds.

See also

• Stecker Bros.