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"Rhythm For Sale" book review by Preston Baker: This is a self-published book that shines a well-deserved light on the impact that Producer/Director/Choreographer Leonard Harper had on the Harlem Renaissance penned by his grandson. Despite producing over 2,000 shows which included the most talented black musicians and performers of the era, his immense contribution has never been truly detailed. The writing is quite straightforward but my admiration for this book is rooted in the decades of research that was undertaken by the author to “Set the story straight”. The racial prejudice, color prejudice, injustice, and sacrifice the talented "colored" performers of this era had to endure are also recorded here in great and often disturbing detail. Period photos and posters are included throughout this Harlem history book. I met the author at Revolution Books (Malcolm X Blvd & W132nd St), and he expressed the pride and exoneration he felt because the petition to rename 132nd Street “Leonard Harper Way '' in honor of the career of his illustrious grandfather was moving toward approval by the NYC council.

Ever heard of Leonard Harper, "Rhythm For Sale" The Godfather of Cabaret? Neither did I until I read Rhythm For Sale by Grant Harper Reid. Fascinating stories of cabaret life before and during the Harlem Renaissance, and Leonard Harper was at the forefront. He even had a dance studio in Times Sq where the likes of Fred Astaire learned to “fast dance” and get down and “dirty” with the real Uptown talent. Leonard’s grandson, Grant Harper Reid, is funny and full of Harlem history. I learned the definition of “coon shooter”—it ain’t what you think!