1922-39 Jazz Club in Harlem where Duke Ellington came to national recognition.
Run by white guys, catering mostly to white clientele, featuring black Jazz. Also playing there were Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong and many other prominent Jazz musicians. In 1936 the Harlem Riots occurred causing the closing of the original club. It moved to new digs, but never caught on like before, closed at end of 30's.
The movie by same name is largely fictional.
Musicians known to have played there include:
Other famous Jazz Clubs in the New York City area include:
Source:
http://www.cottonclub-newyork.com/
Last Updated 04.12.02