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Ollie Potter (work) on performance career.

Career
Potter flourished regionally in Cleveland during the prohibition, on into the Great Depression, from the late 1920s, then relocated in Harlem, Manhattan, beginning around 1934, performing through the early 1950s with Art Tatum, Dickie Wells, Willie "the Lion" Smith, Ollie Shepard, and others. She made very few recordings — an extant four — but had been acclaimed by various musicologists and critics for one in particular — a 1941 amateur recording with Art Tatum and other singers at "Gee-Haw Stables," in Harlem. That particular recording was not released until 1971. In 1934, Marcus Wright, columnist for the New York Age stated that she was one of Harlem's favorite entertainers.

Potter had performed with Bob Hope

Death
Potter was admitted to the Sydenham Hospital in June 1953. After a long illness, she died August 16, 1953, in Manhattan.

Selected venues and collaborators

 * In August 1927, Potter performed at the Silver City Club, Anaconda, Montana, with Doris Hudson; they were billed as "Blue Singers and Dancers" from the Apex Club and Sunset Cabaret, both of Chicago
 * Rainbow Palm Gardens, 427 Indiana Ave, Indianapolis, 1928
 * In October 1932, Potter performed at the Plaza Club in Cleveland
 * In January 1933, Potter was performing at the Creole Kitchen (aka Creole Club) in Cleveland, acclaimed that year by the Pittsburgh Courier as one of the "Hottest Nite Spots In The Entire Country;" Mammy Louise Brooks (1882–1960) was the manager
 * In October 1933, Potter, billed as a torch singer, was performing at the Paramount Inn, in Harlem, owned by Joe Rubin. The club admitted whites only. The floor show included singers Jimmy Hays and Edith King; Johnny Perchey, snakehips dancer; and a female sextet chorus.  All shows were produced by Billy Maxey, who also emseed the the show. Music was furnished by Sherdena Walker (1904–1982) and Her Orchestra.
 * Beginning January 27, 1934. for week at the Lafayette Theatre in Harlem, Potter was a featured stage celebrity in a new musical review staged by Addison Carey (1900–1952); other celebrities included Doris Rheubottom (born 1905) (vocalist), the Three Yorkers, Dewey Brown, George Wiltshire, and George Gee James.
 * December 1934, Potter was singing at the Poospatuck Club in Sugar Hill, Harlem; a New York Age review lauded her rendition of "Love In Bloom"
 * In December 1935, nationally syndicated columnist Allan W McMillan (1900–1991) wrote "Someone ought to give Ollie Potter (God's gift to the blues) an opportunity on Broadway."
 * On February 28, 1935, the second edition of the New Harlem Revels, directed by Rubberlegs Williams, debuted at Dickie Wells Harlem Supper Club. Potter was among the featured artists.
 * In June 1936, Potter resigned from Dickie Wells Hot Spot to perform at the Poospatuck Club
 * Potter debuted at the Elks Rendezvous in Harlem, 464 Lenox Avenue, in February 1939, in a musical review singing "That's Why I Am In Harlem Every Night," which was well received by the audience.
 * Willie "The Lion" Smith, featuring Ollie Potter, Suburban Gardens, Washington, D.C. 1939
 * Apollo Bar (at 125th Street and 7th Avenue, steps from the Apollo Theater), Harlem, Sunday, May 14, 1950, with Laurel Watson (born around 1913)

Apex Club
The Apex Club, which ran from 1926 to 1930, was located in Chicago's South Side, at 330 East 35th Street, between Prairie and Calmut Avenues, 2nd floor. The club was raided by federal agents and closed for selling alcohol during Prohibition in 1930. Jimmie Noone the house band.

As was the case for all nightclubs and cabarets with exclusive membership requirements, the Apex Club did not need a license from the city, provided that no admission was charged, according to a ruling handed down July 16, 1927, by Assistant Corporation Council James W. Breen. The ruling was sought on behalf of several clubs by Alderman Louis B. Anderson (1870–1946).

Owners

 * Julian Black

Managers

 * Walter Burton, assistant manager, shot and killed July 16, 1928, reportedly by Walter Jay for refusing to admit Jay and his wife, Cleo, into the club.

Sunset Cabaret
The Sunset Cabaret (aka Sunset Cafe), which opened in 1921, was located in Chicago's South Side, at 315-317 East 35th Street at Calmut Avenue.

General references

 * 1936
 * Willie the Lion Smith