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What bandleader was considered Harlem's "King of Swing?" He had the house band at the Savoy Ballroom and was one of the first drummers to lead his own band?

User IronRoei
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Final answer:

Chick Webb is considered Harlem's 'King of Swing' and led the house band at the Savoy Ballroom. He was a pivotal figure in the swing era, helping popularize the genre during the Harlem Renaissance where jazz music saw greats like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington become legends.

Step-by-step explanation:

The bandleader who was hailed as Harlem's "King of Swing" and had the house band at the Savoy Ballroom was none other than the legendary drummer Chick Webb. Webb was one of the first drummers to lead a band, and his lively swing music became synonymous with the vibrant dance scene at the Savoy. His presence in the Harlem Renaissance was significant as he provided a platform for many talented musicians and helped swing music gain national acclaim.

Notable jazz bands of the era, like the King and Carter Jazzing Orchestra in 1921, presaged Chick Webb's success and contributed to the rich cultural tapestry of the period. The 1920s represented a time when jazz music solidified its place in American culture, significantly during the Harlem Renaissance where musicians such as Louis Armstrong came to prominence for his improvisational skills and distinctive voice. While black jazz bands played at key Harlem venues like the Savoy, the nearby Cotton Club also featured greats like Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway, though it was a venue that mainly catered to a white audience despite the performers being predominantly black.

User Rinke
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