Savoy Story 1951

CONTEXT ORIGINAL DESCRIPTIONS
ALL ABOUT THE SAVOY

as written by the Savoy Staff on the ballroom's 25 anniversary in 1951

(This version is slightly edited to correct typo's in the original text and to omit references to other sections of the original booklet which have not been reproduced on this site.)

Ulma "the Duchess" Brown, Savoy Hostess

To its long-time inhabitants, Harlem is both changeless and changing and neither looks nor feels the way it did twenty-five years ago. Among its present 700,000 population, you'll find many who miss the screeching, awesome sound, of the 8th Avenue 'L', and the clanging swaying Lenox Avenue trolley cars. Talk to any of these young old-timers and they'll reminisce about Harlem's gas-lit tenements, its turbulence and tranquility, its congestion and inconveniences, its Hill and its Hollow, its tears and laughter, its sophistication and poverty, its gentle people and visiting rowdies, its churches and schools, its music and dancing, its theatres and ballrooms - which brings us to The Savoy Story - a fabulous tale of an idea and an ideal - and of the two very young men, whose vision and foresight triumphed over the most overwhelming disheartenments.

Let's lift the shadow of the past! Let's roll back the pages of time to the cold, cold winter of 1925 - a little more than a quarter of a century ago - the 'good old days' of the flapper and the shiek, the flivver and the silver flask; the roaring twenties - that dizzy era of 'speakeasies', rumrunners, mob violence, grafting 'revenooers' and of bobbed-hair 'it' girls' and smart-suited drug store cowboys. It was the hey-day of flaming youth!

Let's, reflect back to the two very young men, Moe Gale and Charles Buchanan, who were about to develop a silvered dream into a golden reality. The very young Gale, fresh out of college, was associated with his dad, Sigmund, in the finance business - but was possessed of a flair for showmanship and an ambition to carve a career in the amusement business which intrigued him. The very young Buchanan was a budding realty man, but too, with a sub-conscious feeling to seek his future in the world of entertainment.

Observant of the booming business at Broadway's famous Roseland and Arcadia Ballrooms, young Gale surveyed Harlem with the idea of launching a similar 'million-dollar' palais de danse in that sector. Buchanan, after probing several entertainment field possibilities, finally arrived at his big decision! He was going to give Harlem a luxury ball- room to accommodate the many thousands who wished to dance in an atmosphere of tasteful refinement, rather than in the small and stuffy halls and the foul-smelling, smoke-laden cellar night clubs, which were the illegal, but prosperous upholstered sewers of the prohibition era.

Moe Gale

The two men, each with the self-same idea and ideals met one another through a fantastic series of story book coincidences, and became business partners to establish a ballroom of ultra-modern magnificance - a dance palace that would out rival the splendors of the Roseland and Arcadia, then the top ballrooms of Broadway and the World.

They worked excitedly on plans and ideas that were to cause a revolutionary trend in public ballrooms and in dance styles, not only in Harlem but in every land where dancing is a medium of self-expression. They sought a desirable, easily accessible location, finally leasing the entire Lenox Avenue, 140-141 St. blockfront, then a graveyard for obsolete traction equipment and other relics of an earlier horse and cable car era. The project went into breath-taking action! Architects and. surveyors. builders and decorators were consulted. Then the blueprints, contracts, permits, licenses and the myriad major and minor problems that called for long range decisions. Seemingly out of nowhere came iron and stone, steel and wood, glass and brass, fixtures, lighting, carpeting, ventilation and other equipment that was to be artfully blended by an army of brick-layers, plasterers, woodworkers, painters, electricians, artisans and technicians, until the mammoth, block-long structure loomed to final completion.

Then! The Big Problem! What appropriately fitting name to give this super-deluxe ballroom - this magnificent and luxuriously palatial dance palace that was destined to be one of the storied wonderments of New York's Harlem? Paradise? Avalon? Trianon? Palladium? Dreamland? Cinderella? Danceland? All these and a thousand other name suggestions were considered and rejected as inappropriate. All last - the momentous decision - the name - S A V 0 Y - which exemplified all the elegant splendor of fabled old-world palaces and the only name which descriptively symbolized the extravagance, glitter, charm and friendliness of the palais which was soon to be presented to the many thousands of discriminating dance arid music lovers who sought wholesame recreation and entertainment in the Harlem that knows no boundaries.

Charles Buchanan

And so it was, on the night of March 12th 1926, that the Savoy, The World's Finest Ballroom, became a vibrant, real and living thing - a mansion of impressive grandeur that was a tribute to the pioneering spirit of its founders, and has, during the past quarter century, become an enriching influence, not only in Harlem, the city within a city. but throughout the world - wherever music is played; wherever dancing is a means of self-expression and pleasure. During these past twentv-five years, the Savoy has been an exciting inspiration to musicians and composers, artists, sculptors, authors and painters, whose published works have helped to make 'the home of happy feet,' an institution of international fame - a must on the visiting list of tourist from the 48 states and from every foreign land in the world.

The gay and festive opening night was attended by city, state and federal government celebrities. church dignitaries, social leaders, sports and newspaper world personalities, representatives of Harlem's outstanding fraternal organizations, sororities, civic, cultural, welfare and education groups, and a long list of famous Broadway and Hollywood stage and screen stars, as well as musicians, many of whom are now world renowned. The public - those fortunate to be present, were overawed with pulsating excitement as they viewed the eye-filling sumptuousness of the widely-heralded edifice. They were genuinely impressed, for surely there was no other place of such magnificence in Harlem, or on the Broadways of the world, for that matter. They glided and whirled on the sleek and springy unobstructed dance floor! They jumped with ecstatic joy to the music of, not one, but two of the 'best bands in the land,' The Savoy Bearcats, directed by personable Leon Abbey, and the high-hatted, clarinet-playing Fess Williams and his Royal Flush Orchestra. Few first-nighters will ever forget the dynamic Fess, whose eye-catching trade mark was a shimmering, glittering diamond-studded suit whose showmanship and musicianship eventually catapulted him to national fame from the new1y born Savoy's No. 1 bandstand.

Since that memorable 1926 opening night, an estimated fifteen million enthusiasts have danced at 'the track' as the Savoy is now affectionately know to its ever continuing cycle of 'regular' patrons. Imagine! Thirty million dancing feet, stomping in rhythmic response to ever changing music trends: dixieland, ragtime, jazz, blues, swing, stomp, boogie-woogie, hop and countless peabody, waltz, one-step, two-step and rhumba variations.

Music archeologists and historians will record the significant contribution of the Savoy to contemporary American dance music, and, of its enriching, inspiring influence on those inventive geniuses, the composers and musicians who conceived and introduced the music styles of the past quarter century, who created the progressive rhythmic trends that have captivated the dancing millions of every civilized country in the world. The played a great part in the emergence of typically American dance music - a heritage that now belongs to the world!

From Savoy's mammoth mahogany floor, there was launched a long succession of dance fads, styles and crazes that 'caught fire' almost over- night, capturing the imagination of dancers in every nook and corner of this country and sweeping far to the four winds and the seven seas for universal popularity. Countless are the dance styles that were originated and developed at The Savoy. Popularity was instantaneous for The Flying Charleston, The Lindy Hop, The Stomp, The Big Apple, Jitterbug Jive, Peckin', Snakehips, Rhumboogie and fascinating, intricate variations of the Peabody, the Shimmy and even flaming youth interpretations of the Pre-World War I dances, the Turkey Trot and The Bunny Hug.

Many of these dance fads held popularity for only a fleeting time; some will be again revived by an upcoming generation, just as The Charleston is now apathetically striving for a 'comeback.' One, the eternal Lindy Hop, after nearly a quarter century of unprecedented popularity, is one of our accepted standard dance styles, ranking on a par with the perennial Waltz and the modern Fox-Trot. A special section in this volume is devoted to the origin, history and world-wide impact of The Lindy Hop, a name given it by Charles Buchanan on May 20, 1927, the date Lindbergh made aviation history by his perilous solo flight across the Atlantic, from New' York to Paris. No better descriptive name could ever be found that so vividly expresses the aerial gyrations, dizzy spins and stratospheric flights of the inventive dancers, whose unbelievable acrobatic contortions and amazing rhythm gave birth to The Lindy Hop - the only typically American dance, except the fabled Cake Walk of a less enlightened era.

Webster is Dead! Long Live the Hepster! Slang has always had a curious interest for those who concern themselves with the mother tongue, an interest that is psychological and sociological as well as linguistic. Every trade and occupation, profession and art, commerce, industry, sports and entertainment have their own fascinating slang phrases and colloquialisms, and so it was only natural that Jive Talk, or Swing Slang, would take root at Savoy and gravitate from one end of the land to the other. And, whether you are Jive-Wise, or a purist, you'll find a fast refresher course on this almost incomprehensible dialect of rich and racy idiomatics that was born of the lustiness of the colorful Savoy youth will you put you in touch with them.

It would take a corps of capable historians to assemble the rich store of memorable events, happenings and special activities that were the body and soul of the Savoy during these past twenty-five exciting years. We recall the most important in words and photos, and in stone cold calculating statistics, facts and figures usually of interest only to insurance actuaries, CPA's and market analysts.

Mama Lu Parks

In it's 25 year span, nearly 15,000,000 persons have gyrated across Savoy's shining bright dance floor, an annual average of about 700.000. The Savoy's original cost is estimated at a cool quarter, million - big money in 1926. It has been, completely redecorated five times, keeping in step with the times and maintain its enviable position as leader, with just about another two million spent for this refurbishing. It's block long dance door wears to the "Bone" every three years with complete replacement a necessity. It's spacious, basement checkrooms can serve up to 5,000 patrons with swift, efficient ease. Another $100,000 has been spent in frequent recarpeting of the vast lounges, providing guests with, a floor-covering luxury seldom found in other ballrooms.

The Savoy's annual expenses run slightly under a half million dollars, most of it revolving around musicians, employees and trades people residing in the community. The ever-courteous staff of 90 permanent employees includes musicians, waiters, cashiers, floor attendants, porters and administrative assistants. Consistent, extensive advertising and promotion is another heavy expense

More than 250 'name,' semi-name and house bands have played the Savoy in two and one half decades, and a fascinating pictorial story of these famous bands is to be enjoyed on many pages of this 25th Anniversary Souvenir. Many, many bands were originated at, or received their first nudge to national fame at the Savoy. Long is the list of big-time 'name' bands that have played one-nighters at the 'home of happy feet'. The roster of these bands will be found elsewhere in this memento.

Harlem's most famous clubs and organizations, conduct their annual 'Balls, Dances, 'Proms' and other society functions at the Savoy - galas of picturesque splendor such as the Urban League's "Beaux Arts" Ball, the Negro Actors Guild Ball and a wide variety of fetés sponsored by leading fraternities, sororities, churches, civic groups, cultural, welfare, educational and fraternal organizations.

The Savoy's twenty-five year of fame, is truly international. Earls and Dukes and Duchesses, and varied Royalty from European, Asiatic and other far away lands with memories of an excitement that will be unforgettable. Celebrities are commonplace at the Savoy. Some say 'a dime a dozen,' to steal a phrase. Nearly every Hollywood screen personality has enjoyed Savoy hospitality as some time or other, and blonde film star Lana Turner reputedly called it 'the home of happy feet' a cognomen that stuck, and has since replaced the original 'world's finest ballroom'. Musicians from all over the world make their first stop at the Savoy, almost immediately after clearing customs, to study and bring home the newest sounds and progressive trends in music, and, to renew acquaintance with Savoy instrumentality, many of whom make frequent European tours. In visits that are 'top secret,' famous symphony orchestra conductors and top 'long-hair' virtuosii get their 'kicks' at the Savoy. And so it goes - a constant, endless, nightly parade of world famous personalities who come to visit the equally world famous Savoy.

The Savoy too, has exerted an hypnotic influence on. the composers of Tin Pan Alley, those modern Bachs and Beethovens, who pen the music America plays, sings, hums and whistles - the hit parade songs that are enjoyed by millions of radio listeners and TV viewers and by untold millions of record fans who patronize the 700,000 jukeboxes sprinkled thru the nation. The record reveals that Savoy has been the inspiration for any number of our top melody-makers and lyricists. Many, many songs have had their inception at the Savoy, and many 'pop' hit tunes have been written about the Savoy - but that's another story.

A not-to-be-forgotten of "'The Savoy Story" is the staff of hostesses who were a regular feature until 1943. These smartly-gowned charmers were conceded to be the most gorgeously beautiful group of girls employed in any ballroom, and are remembered for their crack dancing ability, high intelligence and 'glib' conversation as well as striking beauty. Pictured elsewhere are many of these 'dancing 'partners', a majority of whom are now happily married and occasional Savoy visitors.

Helen Clarke

Another Savoy 'first' was The Miss Colored America" Bathing Beauty Pageant, with 44 of the nation's most glamorous beach peaches competing for World beauty supremacy. These statuesque charmers represented 44 major cities in 26 states; selected to compete in the Grand Finals at the Savoy after winning home-town eliminations. The Savoy plans another such national beauty quest soon.

The Savoy originated, and was the scene of many famous 'battles of music' and 'jazz wars', featuring two or more famed dance bands striving for 'musical supremacy'. The most famous, and certainly one of the most highly publicized, was the historic rhythmic battle of Chick Webb vs. Benny Goodman, when both bands were at the crest of their popularity. An estimated 25,000 persons vainly tried to gain admittance on that memorable night, to see the epic event, a swing era milestone.

The Savoy "400" Club, started in 1927, is still in existence, with a total of 17,234 persons having been club members at one time or another. Regular meetings were held every Tuesday night, with hilarious initiations a weekly feature that furnished extra excitement for members and spectators. Another weekly, Savoy novelty attraction was the "Savoy Derby" a simulated eight 'horse' race held on the dance floor. Patrons holding pari-mutuel tickets on the winning 'horse' were eligible for fabulous prizes. During a pre-depression year, the Savoy gave away a brand-new automobile every Saturday night to, a lucky patron - an unprecedented stunt that was a forerunner of today's popular radio giveaway shows, and the talk of New York back in 1927.

It is traditional for Savoy to present 'famous firsts'- that is to seek outstanding entertainment world talent and present them at Savoy, for their 'first' public appearance, thus helping their rise to national stardom. Many are the top headline attractions of today, who made their first 'in person' appearance at the 'home of happy feet'. The Mills Brothers and the then famous Three Keys are examples of just a few of these great attractions. The Ink Spots, for a similar reason, are part of the famous Savoy Alumnus, as is the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald, his highness of ho-de-ho Cab Calloway, and others mentioned elsewhere herein. Probably the most spectacular 'first appearance' ever made anywhere by an upcoming personality in the sports world, was the 'in person' guest appearance of Joe Louis. The brown bomber was scheduled to visit the Savoy immediately following his Yankee Stadium fight with Primo Carnera. Joe kayoed the giant Carnera in the 6th round of that June 25th 1935 bout - and from out of nowhere, north, east, south and west, a milling multitude of fans rushed towards the Savoy to meet and greet the popular Louis. The police, who, estimated the crowd at 'more than 50,000' were compelled to call special reserves to restore order among the crowd. This event will live forever in the memory of all those who were part of the wildly enthusiastic 'gathering' - and it will never he forgotten by the brass of New York's finest who were confronted by the most serious 'traffic' problem in history.

And so, this brief trip down memory lane comes to an end with a Happy 25th Birthday greeting from 15,000,000 past and present employee and patrons - to the 'home of happy feet' - The Savoy, luxury ballroom of all time, the birthplace of tomorrow's dance styles - incubator of future music trends - the progenitor of 'name' bands that you, and you, will be dancing and listening to for the next quarter century.