Audio Antiques - Harlem Hospitality Club

The K-Rob Collection

Radio's classic era was definitely tainted by Jim Crow laws, racial discrimination and bias. That's why this podcast is dedicated to unearthing the rare instances when African-Americans were allowed to share their talents with the world. Black performers were seldom hosts, or guest stars on the commercial networks. African-American shows were very scarce, but there were a few. One was the Harlem Hospitality Club, and was aired by the Mutual Broadcasting System, and the Armed Forces Radio Service. The half-hour program highlighted rhythm and blues music before a live audience. It featured host Willie Bryant and guests such as Amanda Randolph, an African-American actress, singer and musician. Randolph would later become the first black performer on a regularly scheduled network television show, The Laytons on the DuMont TV Network. You're going to hear two episodes of the Harlem Hospitality Club, both from 1947. And as a special bonus, you'll hear Tales From Harlem, a 1938 show produced by New York radio Station WMCA.

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