Leonard Harper, Dancer, Stager, Producer. The 2022 Tap Hall of Fame Award Winner Leonard Harper
Leonard Harper brought "Plantation Days" and "Harlem Follies" to Chicago. He left his mark on the Harlem Renaissance, a true visionary for his time. He went on to tour the United States and even as far afield as London. He left his mark.-President Barack Obama
The Tony Awards should consider giving a nod to Leonard Harper. He choreographed Ruby Keele, Fred Astaire, and the Marx Brothers. Worked with Mae West, Lena Horne, Josephine Baker and Fats Waller.- Cindy Adams
Harper was a major force in developing American musical entertainment. The League of American Theatres and Producers Inc. His proteges, students, and colleagues read like a "Who's Who" of sophisticated entertainment.-Jed Bernstein, Live Broadway Executive Director
Leonard Harper was a pioneer. American Musical Entertainment would not be what it is today without his works and struggles. I'm sure your Grandfather is looking down at you with a happy smile.-Isabelle Stevenson, Founder of the Tony Awards
In no small part, Mr. Harper contributed to the exciting theatre culture in New York during the Harlem Renaissance. Mr. Harper's innovative choreography embodied a vibrant creative spirit that is still admired today.-Hillary Clinton
Leonard Harper was the most important contributor to the entertainment mystique that enveloped Harlem in the 1920-1930's. He invented the nightclub floorshow Harlem style.-Author Barry Singer
The WBAI "Rhythm For Sale" Interview with Felipe Luciano
"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 er
"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.
Review of Grant Harper Reid's "Rhythm For Sale" by Wayne Bass: A story that needed to be documented. Very appreciative of the research and time it must have taken to pull this information together. Leonard Harper laid the groundwork for live entertainment that we enjoy today including influencing Ed Sullivan...
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
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!
Leonard Harper was part of the transition team when the Deluxe Cabaret was turned into the Cotton Club, producing two of its first revues during its opening-Owner John Beatty
The remarkable theatrical instinct that led Leonard Harper to put Louis Armstrong in the spotlight demonstrates unusual insight, class, and good taste-George Arevalo
Mr. Harper was one of the leading figures who transformed Harlem into a cultural center during the 1920s. His nightclub productions at Connie's Inn, Lafayette Theater, and the opening of the Apollo Theatre drew people from all over the world-Congressman Charles Rangel
We were so touched by your relaxed and generous talk, during which you shared with us about your own life and your grandfather. We loved the interweaving of stories from your childhood and hearing about your grandmother and her meaningful role in your life. -B'vracha, Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe