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 Marker
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 Whiteys 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 Harlems 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°
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cotton Club (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mr. Marcus Garvey (about 600 feet away); 369th Infantry Regiment Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); His Holiness Pope John Paul II (approx. Ό mile away); Howard Bennett Playground (approx. Ό 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). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
Another marker is no longer nearby. 369th Infantry Regiment Memorial (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed).
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. Wikipedia entry for George "Shorty" Snowden.
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".
6. Inside the Savoy. (Submitted on March 29, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
Additional keywords. Lindy Hop; Jitterbug; nightclub
Photographed by Richard E. Miller, March 27, 2010
3. Savoy Ballroom Marker
via PBS, unknown
4. Savoy Ballroom
Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 28, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,159 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 28, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 4. submitted on May 9, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
