Harlem Legends Midcentury Photo Archive of Black Musical Icons and Landmark Venues

Harlem, Entertainment

Photo Archive

Photo archive documenting Black musical, cultural, and entertainment life in mid-20th century Harlem. A photo archive of 10 original gelatin silver and glossy studio prints, including publicity portraits and vernacular street photography. Photos measure 10" x 8". All black-and-white. Harlem, New York, ca. 1950s–1960s. This archive centers on Harlem’s iconic Black entertainment scene in the mid-20th century, with notable views of the Apollo Theater and Braddock Hotel, and formal publicity portraits of prominent Black entertainers including Nina Simone, Sugar Ray Robinson, and Ike & Tina Turner. The photos document the intersection of Black celebrity, nightlife, and community during a period when Harlem was a national epicenter of African American culture and music.

The Apollo Theater appears in two distinct marquee shots: one advertising a tribute to Mahalia Jackson and a six-group church choir concert on June 17th, and another billing a performance by B.B. King, the Dells, and Gloria Lynne. In both, groups of Black patrons in formal attire stand beneath the marquee or walk past surrounding storefronts, including the neighboring Hotel Braddock, whose neon signage is visible. One additional street scene captures a façade of the Braddock Hotel itself, a landmark lodging and rehearsal space for performers on the Chitlin’ Circuit. Also included is a photograph of an ornate hotel ballroom or supper club interior, possibly from the Braddock or another Harlem entertainment venue, with long rows of set tables, chandeliers, and a small bandstand.

Three publicity or studio portraits depict key midcentury figures: Nina Simone, with a headshot labeled “Colpix Records,” dating to her early recording career circa 1960–1963; Sugar Ray Robinson, captured in a studio shot with a black tie and sports jacket; and Ike and Tina Turner, seated back to back in a late-1950s promotional photo. Additionally, a studio portrait of prolific Black stage and film character actor John Marriott is included. These images reflect the deep ties between Black music, celebrity, and Harlem nightlife during a time when mainstream venues remained largely segregated. A final candid image shows a group of Black men and women at a formal gathering, smiling and interacting with one another and a white couple in a hotel lobby—likely a Harlem nightclub or music industry event. Light surface wear to a few photos, minor handling creases to corners of two prints; strong tonal clarity overall. Several prints with studio stamps or typewritten captions. Overall very good condition.

Item #22476

Price: $750.00