Leon Claxton’s HARLEM IN HAVANA REVUE

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Step into the electrifying world where the Cotton Club collides with the Tropicana.

Welcome to the extraordinary Harlem in Havana Revue, a dazzling spectacle brought to life by the visionary showman, Leon Claxton. This high-octane, fast-stepping showcase of Black and Cuban music, dance, and comedy was historic phenomenon that graced U.S. and Western Canadian state fairs and carnivals from 1935 to 1967 as part of the renowned Royal American Shows.

Harlem in Havana, under the genius of Claxton, featured the best colored amateur and professional acts from the U.S. and Cuba, captivating audiences for nearly four decades. A multicultural extravaganza, the revue showcased the most beautiful brown-skin showgirls from around the world, becoming the hallmark girl show on the North American midway.

Imagine best musicians, playing blues, jazz, Latin, R&B, and early rock-n-roll, with Claxton’s big band echoing across the carnival midway. This tour de force served as a training ground for future entertainment heavyweights, featuring memorable acts like Cuban vocalist Mercedes Valdes, the sensational Harlemettes, and the captivating Fay Lawrence.

Harlem in Havana was a headlining attraction competing with burlesque icons and all-white Las Vegas-style cabaret shows, culminating in an hour+ long extravaganza that consistently left fairgoers across North America spellbound. The show served as a launchpad for music legends like Fontella Bass, Rufus Thomas, Chuck Berry, etching its name in the history of entertainment.

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Leon Claxton’s tent show, known by various names like Brown Skin Vanities Revue and Cuban Rum Boogie Revue, evolved into the iconic Harlem in Havana in the late 1940s. Despite being labeled a ‘Jig Show,’ Harlem in Havana transcended the limitations of its time, achieving mainstream and international acclaim. Financially triumphant, it broke industry records and garnered nationwide and international attention as one of the finest revues ever presented under canvas.

In an era when mainstream entertainment closed its doors to African Americans and performers of color, Harlem in Havana stood as a vibrant platform. Claxton not only entertained segregated audiences but also played a crucial role in reshaping images of Black and Latino identity, spreading Afro-Cuban and African American rhythms across the region.

For African American audiences during the era of Jim Crow, Harlem in Havana was a source of pride and celebration. It often stood as the only carnival venue people of color were permitted to patronize, making it a cultural touchstone on Negro Day in cities like Tampa, Memphis, and Little Rock.

However, as political landscapes shifted with Castro’s rise to power in Cuba, Claxton faced challenges. Fidel Castro’s government changes forced Claxton to adapt, leading to a change in the show’s name and the hunt for new Cuban talent becoming increasingly challenging.

Enter the Harlem Revue.

Marking the 30th tour with Royal American Shows, Claxton added an all new lineup, led by Maurice Fontane and featuring attractions like Greta Garland and Kim Gaye, kept the show fresh and thrilling. The Harlem Revue continued to captivate audiences until 1967, the year Leon Claxton passed away.

For those who witnessed the magic of Claxton’s stage shows, the memory of Harlem in Havana remains an indelible mark on North American carnival history. A legendary spectacle that blended excitement, entertainment, and history – Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana will forever stand as the greatest midway attraction, a timeless celebration of culture and showmanship.

Explore the rich tapestry of this iconic era through our documentary film project, an immersive journey into the heart of Leon Claxton’s unparalleled legacy.

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Leon Dunkins Claxton Sr.
Showman/ Producer/ Vaudeville Artist
(1902-1967)

Step into the epic saga of Leon D. Claxton Sr. (April 1902-November 1967), a luminary, a trailblazer, and an African American icon whose life unfolds like an awe-inspiring odyssey through the turbulent era of Jim Crow.

In the enchanting realm of outdoor entertainment, Leon Claxton emerges as an award-winning showman and vaudeville virtuoso. His legendary stage shows, “Harlem in Havana” (1946–1960) and the “Harlem Revue” (1961-1967), not only captivated audiences but etched his name in the annals of American history.

As one of the nation’s first black entertainment moguls, Claxton defied the constraints of his time, spreading the infectious rhythms of Black and Latin music and dance to mainstream audiences. A true star-maker, he revolutionized musical theatre, laying the foundation for a road show empire that would echo through the realms of television, musical theatre, and nightclub performances. Against all odds, Leon Claxton reached the pinnacle of his career with the triumph of “Harlem in Havana,” amassing wealth and social distinction as a self-made black entrepreneur.

Bronze Ziegfeld of Chicago

Born in the crucible of Beale Street to the musically renowned Claxton family, young Leon’s journey catapulted him into the circus world, where he honed his craft and eventually featured in his own contortion act by the age of 16.

Venturing from the Jim Crow South to Chicago’s thriving South side, Claxton became a driving force in the city’s burgeoning art scene. His home at 3845 South State Street became a haven for black musicians, setting the stage for his rise as a vaudevillian sensation. Claxton’s own sepia revues, or race shows, became instant successes, showcasing street artists, musicians, dancers, and choreographers.

The narrative unfolds with Claxton’s meteoric rise, from Chicago to the global stage. His productions, hailed as “must-see” spectacles, garnered attention and admiration from entertainment giants like Flo Ziegfeld. The Claxton phenomenon reached new heights with the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, where he produced the all-colored musical revue “The Cotton Club Showboat Revue,” earning accolades and catching the eye of Carnival king Carl J. Sedlmayr.

The birth of “Brown Skin Vanities Revue” marked a turning point, breaking industry records and solidifying Claxton’s reputation. Renamed multiple times, the troupe eventually became the iconic “Harlem in Havana” in 1946, a name that resonated for the next 15 years.

Tampa’s Most Beloved Showman!

As Claxton’s star ascended, so did his personal life. A jet-set millionaire, he married his leading lady, Gwendolyn Bates, in 1938. Gwen, a true superwoman, played a pivotal role in managing the troupe and maintaining the Claxton household’s luxurious lifestyle.

Beyond the glitz and glamour, Leon Claxton became a noble figure in Tampa’s business community and civic society. A philanthropist and civil rights advocate, he tirelessly raised funds for underprivileged children and supported outdoor showmen leagues.

A Sanctuary of Sophistication and Strength

In a groundbreaking move, Claxton built the Claxton Manor Motel in 1965, one of the first integrated accommodations in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area. The motel hosted top African American celebrities, further solidifying Claxton’s legacy as a visionary and a champion of equality. Throughout Black Tampa, Claxton Manor was known not only for its stylish accommodations but for the vibrant life it hosted. It was a sanctuary where music, culture, and community thrived—a place where guests could experience Black excellence without compromise.

The Manor regularly welcomed top-tier athletes, renowned politicians, and major entertainers, offering them a dignified refuge during turbulent times. Lavish parties and unforgettable live shows turned the motel into a local legend. Managed with grace by Gwendolyn Bates Claxton after Leon’s passing—and supported by her devoted sister Shirley Bates, who oversaw operations like housekeeping and the dining room—Claxton Manor stood as a beacon of Black pride, elegance, and perseverance.

Leon Claxton’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and an unyielding commitment to his dreams. Illiterate, yet shrewd, he navigated the intricacies of the entertainment industry and left an indelible mark on history. His life, a testament to the power of the entrepreneurial spirit, continues to inspire and captivate.

Discover the extraordinary life of Leon D. Claxton Sr. through the lens of our documentary film project that unveils the untold chapters of a true American legend.