Cotton Club in New York City submitted Description

The Cotton Club name was chosen to conjure up thought of stylish platation environment. To further this connotation, while enhancing the decor of the Club, all entertainment performers were black. With rare exceptions, the ownders and all the guests were white. The Clubs "white only" policy heightened its appeal for patronage: not only for "Downtown" New Yorkers, but also world-wide visitors. Featuring the most talented and best black entertainers, The Cotton Club brought out a host of celebrity clientele. This included Bing Crosby, Jimmy Durante, Fanny Brice, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Dorothy Kilgallen, Dons Dluke, as well as the famous Dutch Shultz. Many of the early black entertainers got their start at the Cotton Club.

The Cotton Club was definitely the place to be for guests, as well as performers. It was not only the aristocrat of Harlem, but of the whole nightclub scene. Only the wealthiest, most influential famous and notorious went there - or could get in. Not only did the Club give its clientele the opportunity to rub shoulders with celebrities and gansters, but they were exposed to its main drawing power - the Club's offering the best in decor, cuisine and entertainment. The Cotton Club, in its return to Harlem, reopened in 1978 with Cab Calloway and other notes entertainers as the featured attraction.

Mr. John Beatty, the current owner of the Cotton Club has institues a policy of operation whereby formerly exlucded clientele can now patronize the Club.