Stars of Montmartre
During the 1920´s, the "City of Light" welcomed an African-American society in Montmartre. They came in order to make their dream come through : live a kind of priviledged life in a country where segregation is absent. They came with the "Harlem Renaissance" culture, that is : African-American music (Jazz and Gospel), fashion style, traditions, art and literature. Parisians admired their culture and their exoticism which they discovered thanks to performances done by Josephine Baker and books written by Langston Hughes, and by the atmosphere that was present during the night in Montmartre .
Josephine Baker (1906-1975) popular dancer and singer, lived in Paris from 1925 to 1975. Became famous in Paris thanks to her performance in "La Revue Nègre", 2 Octobre 1925. She was called "Black Venus" because of her exoticism and shows.
Ada Beatrice Queen Victoria Louise Virginia Smith (1894-1979), known under the name of :
"Bricktop", entertainer, dancer, singer and nightclub owner. She lived in Paris-Pigalle from 1924 to 1939. Then lived in New York City, Mexico City (six years), Rome and went back to France in 1950.
Sidney Bechet (1897-1959), one of the greatest musician of early Jazz (saxophone, clarinet, piano, bass and drums). Lived and performed in Europe from 1925 to 1929, went back to America and settled in Paris in 1950.
Eugene Jacques Bullard (1895-1961) was a combat pilot during World War I and was decorated member of the French Foreign Legion. Also Jazz band drummer and later, manager of the cabaret "Le Grand Duc". He lived in Paris from 1912 to 1940.
Langston Hughes (1902-1967), a prolific writer, lived in Montmartre's Hill six months, in 1924.
James Reese Europe (1880?-1-1919) musician and songwriter, director of "The Clef Club" association. Joined the army in 1916 as soldier and band leader of the "Harlem-Hellfighters", the 369th American Infantry Regiment. Fought against the Germans with the French army during World War I. Received the "Croix de Guerre" and went back to America as a hero. He was the one who brought African-American music to France. But he dies without knowing about the evolution of Jazz music around the world.