Lincoln Theatre 1915-Present

The Lincoln Theatre was another venue that opened and was in direct competition with the other theatres around, but manly competed with the Lafayette theatre. Unlike most Harlem venues, from it's opening in 1915 the theatre catered mainly for the African American community.

Although the Lincoln had the same format as the Lafayette it could never really equal the lavish surroundings and sets that it had to offer. Also it never attained the same prestige, the Lincoln was not a place that up town directors or agents would frequent. The Lincoln was however very popular with the local community and was the preferred venue in some respects as it seemed more homely.

As well as hosting many shows and revues, the Lincoln showed a variety of silent films. During this time the great Blues pianist/singer Fats Waller spent some of the early part of his successful career as it's in house organist. He played accompanying music along with the silent films that were shown and also in between films he would play some of his compositions. Fats Waller's appearance there could quite possibly have been instrumental in his great success, it was also where he met the young Count Basie who he taught how to play the theatre organ.