Central Harlem in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Savoy Ballroom

Photographed By Richard E. Miller, March 27, 2010

1. Savoy Ballroom "Plaque"

Inscription. Here once stood the legendary Savoy Ballroom a hothouse for the development of jazz in the Swing Era. Visually dazzling and spacious, the Savoy nightly featured the finest jazz bands in the nation, and its house bands included such famous orchestras as those of Fess Williams, Chick Webb, and Teddy Hill. The great jazz dancers who appeared on its block-long floor ranged from professionals like Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers to everyday Harlemites. During a time of racial segregation and strife, the Savoy was one of the most culturally and racially integrated of institutions, and its fame was international. It was the heartbeat of Harlem’s community and a testament to the indomitable spirit of and creative impulse of African-Americans. It was a catalyst for inspiration where dancers and musicians blended influences to forge new, wide-spread, and long-lasting traditions in music and dance.

Whether they attended or not, all Americans knew the meaning of “Stompin’ at the Savoy.”
Home of Happy Feet
1926 - 1958

Erected 2002.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1926.

Location. 40°

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49.051′ N, 73° 56.284′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Central Harlem. Marker is on Lenox Avenue north of W. 140th Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New York NY 10037, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mr. Marcus Garvey (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); 369th Infantry Regiment Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); His Holiness Pope John Paul II (approx. ¼ mile away); Howard Bennett Playground (approx. ¼ mile away); Harlem YMCA (approx. 0.3 miles away); Dr. Godfrey Nurse (approx. 0.4 miles away); Transportation Links of the Market (approx. 0.4 miles away); Products and Goods of the Market (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.

Also see . . .
1. About the Savoy Ballroom. (Submitted on March 28, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
2. Harlem-Bespoke: Remember the Savoy Ballroom. (Submitted on March 28, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
3. Whitey's Lindy Hoppers. (Submitted on March 29, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
4. The Big Apple at the Savoy. (Submitted on March 29, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
5. Streetswing.com entry for The Savoy Ballroom. (Submitted on March 29, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
6. Wikipedia entry for George "Shorty" Snowden. (Submitted on March 29, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)

Savoy Ballroom Marker - at recess in fence marking the entrance to the old Savoy Ballroom image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Richard E. Miller, March 27, 2010

2. Savoy Ballroom Marker - at recess in fence marking the entrance to the old Savoy Ballroom

now the site of the "Savoy Park" housing complex - formerly known as "Delano Village".

7. Inside the Savoy. (Submitted on March 29, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)

Additional keywords. Lindy Hop; Jitterbug; nightclub

Savoy Ballroom Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Richard E. Miller, March 27, 2010

3. Savoy Ballroom Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 28, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,335 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 28, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.