SHIRLEY BATES: THE QUEEN OF HARLEM IN HAVANA
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of SHIRLEY BATES JOHNSON, the phenomenal Brown Skin Showgirl and Black Burlesque icon who passed yesterday in Tampa, Florida at the remarkable age of 102.
Shirley joined Leon Claxton’s girl show revue in 1939 at just 16 years old. What began as a shy teenager’s first professional engagement soon blossomed into an extraordinary career. By the early 1940s, she had become the revue’s celebrated lead dancer, captivating audiences with her unparalleled artistry in chorus-style, exotic, shake, and modern dance. Shirley remained the show’s leading soubrette until 1949, when she left Harlem in Havana and moved to California to further her dance career.
Watch Ep 1 of the documentary film
Reflecting on those early days, Shirley once said: “The following year I became the Lead dancer. I loved dancing, but I hated the carnival lifestyle. Like a gypsy, it was a trip.“
Following her years with Harlem in Havana, Shirley continued performing with some of the greatest entertainers of her time, including Sammy Davis Jr. Her beauty, talent, and professionalism earned her admiration throughout a remarkable career.
As one of the original Brown Skin Showgirls, Shirley helped define an era of Black excellence in American entertainment. She performed with elegance, courage, and brilliance during a time when opportunities for Black performers were limited, helping to pave the way for generations who followed.
For those of us dedicated to preserving the history of Harlem in Havana, Shirley was not only a legendary performer, she was an invaluable keeper of the show’s history. Her memories, photographs, and generosity have helped ensure that the legacy of Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana, will never be forgotten.
Today, we celebrate a life that spanned more than a century and a legacy that will continue to inspire audiences for generations to come!
Rest in peace, Shirley! Thank you for sharing your extraordinary life with us and for leaving an unforgettable mark on the history of American entertainment.
Harlem in Havana® 