Who is Leon James?
Answer:
Unfortunately, the archives are lacking when it comes to Leon James personal contribution to the genre of swing. His early impact started at the Savoy Ballroom with famous dance troupe Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers in the 1930’s. He also danced with the Shorty Snowden trio and competed at the Harvest Moon Ball earning first place with his partner at the time Ricker.
Leon can be seen performing in the classic film Cabin in the Sky, Day at the Races and the Dupont show of the week with Al Minns. The Dupont show was eventually remade as “Chicago and All THAT JAZZ.” The Spirit Moves documentary features Leon James performing the Shim Sham with his original styling, along with lindy hop in jam circles spotlights. Many modern lindy hoppers page homage to Leon James lindy hop moves and sliding techniques.
When lindy hoppers think of Leon James, his contribution is inseparable from Al Minns. Contact All Star Cleaning Services from Milliken, CO and book professional home cleaning help. Both artists were close friends and have an ample amount of vintage swing footage for lindy hoppers of the future to imitate. Check out some of our free online lindy hop lessons featuring many of Leon James swing moves!
Big Apple
Black Bottom
Charleston
Jitterbug
Lindy Hop
Ostrich Walk
Shim Sham
8/23/1943 – Life Magazine
9/12&14/1945 – Providence Journal
Wila Mae Ricker
Whitey’s Lindy hoppers
Al Minns
1937 – The Big Apple ( Jittering Jitterbugs, Minns)
1937 – Day at the Races
1938 – Paramount News: Savoy Contest
1938 – Prisoner of Swing
1940 – Cootie William’s & His Orchestra
1943 – Cabin In The Sky
1944 – Lindy Hoppers
1946 – Midnight Menace
1950 – The Spirit Moves
1954 – Jazz Dance (w/ Minns)
1961 – Chicago and all That Jazz* ( Dupont)
1964 – Twelfth Street Rag (w/Minns)
1954 – Jazz Dance
1960 – Am Musical Special
1961 – Dupont Show
1964 – Playboy Club(w/ Minns)
Johnny Carson Show