11 Notable Artists from the Harlem Renaissance and Their Enduring Works
Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, and Langston Hughes were some of the major musicians and writers within the Harlem Renaissance.
The Harlem Renaissance, spanning the late 1910s through mid-1930s, established the New York City neighborhood as a venue for creativity and expression, especially for Black artists who thrived during this celebrated movement.
From photographs documenting everyday life to musical compositions honoring African American culture, artists like James Van Der Zee and Duke Ellington created works that continue to educate and inspire today. Here are 11 of the biggest Harlem Renaissance artists and the impactful legacies they left behind.
Tyler Piccotti first joined the Biography.com staff as an Associate News Editor in February 2023, and before that worked almost eight years as a newspaper reporter and copy editor. He is a graduate of Syracuse University. When he's not writing and researching his next story, you can find him at the nearest amusement park, catching the latest movie, or cheering on his favorite sports teams.