Harlem Playgirls

The Harlem Playgirls were an African American woman band of the swing era who was active from 1935 to 1940.

History

The band was founded in 1935 by the drummer Sylvester Rice ( 1905-1984 ). They resorted to members of the Dixie Sweethearts. The Harlem Playgirls toured mainly in the Midwest ( TOBA Circle ). 1937 and 1938 they performed at the Apollo Theater, and in 1938 they won a Battle of the Bands at the Savoy Ballroom in Chicago against the band of Johnny Long. Front women were initially Babe Briscoe (trumpet, vocals) and Eddie Crump. Brisco came from New Orleans and was previously with Lil Hardin Armstrong and Joe Robichaux. Soloists were Ernestine " Tiny" Davis was second trumpet ( and solo trumpet ) and later at the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, as well as the Tenorsaxophonistin Vi Burnside. Additionally, the trombonist Julius Lela, who led the band from 1938.

1938 was the occupation under the direction of Have Briscoe:

• Trumpet: Alice Proctor, Marjorie Ross, Bessie Comeaux
• Lelia Julius, trombone and guitar
• Orvella Moore, piano
• Jennie Byrd, drums
• Gwen Trigg, bass

The musicians also included the trombonist Elizabeth King, the trumpeters Mary Shannin (1935 ) and Jean Ray Lee, bassist Mary Backstrom, violinist Pamela Moore, the saxophonist Lula Edge and the alto saxophonist Madge Fountain, drummer Henrietta Fountain.

The band existed until 1940. This year she made another three -month tour in the South. Many of the members went afterwards to other bands with colored musicians, the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, the Prairie View Coeds or the Darlings of Rhythm.