The Show-Down: The Edwards Sisters

What do you notice? What do you wonder?

I came across this article in one of the last pages ofThe Show-Down, a magazine devoted to Black nightclub life and entertainment. Ultimately that is what brought me to this article. We don't really hear about Black nightlife and entertainment in the 1930s, so that's why I chose this magazine to be my second primary source analysis. But back to the article itself. The article titled "The Edwards Sisters" Climb To The Top was located on page 15, taking about half of the page. These sisters were supposedly "[ranked] No. 1, in the dance world, as the fastest and cleverest rhythm hoofers on the American stage [...]" but I had never heard of them. When I searched them up on Google, they weren't the first duo to show up; a singing duo also called The Edwards Sisters was. I had added "dancers" to try to narrow it down and was met with virtually nothing... until a YouTube video popped up, which I've linked down below. I wonder if other Black artists like them never got the recognition they deserved because of the color of their skin, even if they were the best in their field.

The Source

https://transcription.si.edu/view/15285/NMAAHC-2013_46_25_73_015

The Show-Down was described to be a publication that exclusively catered to theatricals. This magazine reviewed night clubs and shows, while featuring different performers across many cities. "The Edwards Sisters" Climb To The Top was an article highlighting the talents of two sisters making a name for themselves in the dance world for their remarkable tap skills. This magazine was a created in 1935 in New York City by Sally J. Cathrell Jr., who followed her parents' footsteps in the publishing business. She and her sister Laura "Laurie" Cathrell were involved in New York's nightlife, as Laurie was a showgirl. The intended audience was those who was interested in Black entertainment and nightlife.

Context

Although it doesn't fit the exact timeline of this magazine, I feel like this magazine emerged as a result of the Harlem Renaissance (Module 13). For many Black workers nightlife was a time to escape their everyday lives and let loose, even if it was only for a night. I feel like if it wasn't for the Harlem Renaissance, The Show-Down would have never been started. Reviewing different clubs and shows and articles about performers is something that wouldn't have been possible without it. Because it was such a prominent movement in history, it paved the way for Black excellence for years after.

Additionally, this was published after the Great Depression, so this magazine may have been a resource for those who wanted to be entertained and let loose after those hard times.

Implications/Conclusions

This course is important for understanding American history because it gives us insight into Black nightlife and entertainment. When we think of Black history, we usually think the racism they had to go through. This helps us see how people found joy again after the Great Depression. Although many of the names were lost in time, this sourced was saved for people like us to examine so those people were not forgotten. I feel like nightlife is such a prominent aspect of Black culture, especially in New York, but I feel like the only aspect of nightlife that's in pop culture is the drag scene in the 80s and 90s.

Discussion Question

In what ways now do we celebrate Black excellency? Do you think they'll be remembered a hundred years from now?