Lew Leslie

Lew Leslie
Born
Lewis Lessinsky

(1888-04-15)April 15, 1888
Orangeburg, New York, U.S.
DiedMarch 10, 1963(1963-03-10) (aged 74)
New York City, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
Occupation(s)Vaudeville entertainer, producer
Years active1910-1950s
SpouseBelle Baker (married 1913–1918)

Lew Leslie (born Lewis Lessinsky; April 15, 1888 – March 10, 1963)[1] was a Jewish American writer and producer of Broadway shows.[2][3][4] Leslie got his start in show business in vaudeville in his early twenties. Although white, he was the first major impresario to present African American artists on the Broadway stage. He had two well-known wives, torch singer Belle Baker and Ziegfeld Follies showgirl Irene Wales.

  1. ^ Wintz, Cary D.; Finkelman, Paul (December 6, 2012). Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance. Routledge. ISBN 9781135455361. Retrieved October 13, 2023 – via Google Books.
  2. ^ "Lew Leslie – Broadway Cast & Staff". IBDb.com. Retrieved January 12, 2022.
  3. ^ "Lew Leslie's International Revue", Time, March 10, 1930.
  4. ^ "Lew Leslie: He, of the Blackbirds". (Travalanche). April 15, 2012. Retrieved January 12, 2022.