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Richard "Dickie" Wells (1908–1949), also sometimes known as Mr. Harlem, was an American tap dancer and nightclub owner.[1] Wells first gained note dancing in the Wells, Mordecai and Taylor Dance Trio with Jimmy Mordecai and Ernest Taylor. This group performed at New York City nightclubs such as the Cotton Club.[1] Wells soon became a nightclub owner.[2]
Richard Wells | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1908 |
| Died | 1949 (aged 40–41) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Tap dancer |
Relationships with women
editWells was thought to have had relationships with many well-known women including Nina Mae McKinney, Joan Crawford, Tallulah Bankhead, Ava Gardner, Lana Turner, Margherite Chapman, and Jean Parks.[1] Wells introduced Joe Louis to a number of women.[3]
Club ownership
editWells owned and managed "Dickie's Club," in Harlem, which was known for its food. Wells is rumored to have been the inventor of chicken and waffles.[1] His club is one of the earliest known restaurants to serve the dish.[citation needed]
The club attracted famous patrons, among them Tallulah Bankhead, Errol Flynn, Ava Gardner, Clark Gable, Bumpy Johnson, Charlie Chaplin, Joan Crawford, and Walter Winchell.[4] Singer Billy Daniels was among the notable performers at his club.[5]
Death
editAt the age of 41, Wells died of causes related to alcohol and cocaine use[1] in the apartment of singer Jean Parks.[6] Wells is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, NY.[7]
Trials
editAfter his death, Wells was named in a trial concerning Tallulah Bankhead.[8] It was believed he supplied Bankhead with cocaine.[9] Wells was also involved in a trial involving the daughter of a US diplomat who had become a call girl.[10]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e Magazine, Harlem World (December 10, 2021). "The Fabulous "Mr. Harlem," Dickie Wells, Harlem Playboy And Entrepreneur 1920-1949".
- ^ Brian Seibert (17 November 2015). What the Eye Hears : A History of Tap Dancing. Macmillan. ISBN 9780865479531. Retrieved December 13, 2021.
- ^ Vitale, Rugio (October 12, 1990). Joe Louis. Holloway House Publishing. ISBN 9780870675706 – via Google Books.
- ^ Magazine, Harlem World (October 15, 2017). "Dickie Wells Club, Harlem, New York, 1940-1950".
- ^ "Celluloid Improvisations ♫ LEARN". Jazz-on-film.com.
- ^ Company, Johnson Publishing (March 5, 1953). "Jet". Johnson Publishing Company – via Google Books.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ "Black History | Woodlawn Cemetery • Crematory • Conservancy". Woodlawn.org.
- ^ Company, Johnson Publishing (December 27, 1951). "Jet". Johnson Publishing Company – via Google Books.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ Company, Johnson Publishing (January 3, 1952). "Jet". Johnson Publishing Company – via Google Books.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ Company, Johnson Publishing (March 5, 1953). "Jet". Johnson Publishing Company – via Google Books.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help)