During the 1920's and 1940's Harlem became the major centre for black cultural life and where you could effect a change in your life as an African American. If you wanted to write, if you wanted to dance, if you wanted to make music and if you wanted to effect social change, it was believed the African American dream could finally be realised in Harlem.

Although not completely devoid of racism and segregation, it was not as racially charged as other southern states, where violence and hatred were directed at those who were none white. A large exodus of African Americans headed for Harlem, a percentage of which were black entertainers looking for the cross over audiences that could possibly be good for there career. Harlem, New York was where the streets were imagined to be paved golden opportunity, but in the 1920's most of the poorer areas were recognised by the fact that the streets had no pavements.

Out of the oppressed times and negativity of this period in American history came a creativity triggered by the need to feel better about ones self. Inspiration through music and dance was heightened and many of the great bandleaders who were fortunate enough to get a good education, excelled and brought about new standards of excellence.