The Savoy Ballroom, located in Harlem, NY, was a pivotal cultural hub from 1926 to 1958, renowned for its racial integration and influence on jazz and dance. Founded by Moe Gale and managed by Charles Buchanan, it hosted legendary musicians like Duke Ellington and iconic dance styles like the Lindy Hop. With a capacity of 4,000 to 5,000, it earned the nickname “The home of happy feet.” Sadly, it closed in 1958, replaced by housing. The Savoy’s legacy lives on through its impact on American music, dance, and cultural integration. If you’d like to learn more about the Savoy Ballroom, we suggest to check out our history article: History of the Savoy Ballroom.

The artist of the painting, Dayton Brandfield, born in the Bronx, New York, was a skilled woodblock artist and lithographer. Educated at the National Academy of Design, the Art Student’s League, and Cooper Union, he was an active participant in the New York City WPA’s graphic arts division. His work was showcased at renowned institutions like the Chicago Art Institute and the Whitney Museum of American Art. In 1932, he joined the New York Public Library, and in 1939, his lithograph “Circus” featured in a WPA show. He later moved to California, residing in Grover Beach from 1977, where he continued his career as a printmaker.