The Harlem Playgirls was an African American swing band active in the Midwest and throughout the United States from the mid-1930s to the early 1940s.
[1][2] Organized by Milwaukee-based drummer and band leader Sylvester Rice (1905–1984)[3] in 1935 and drawing from members of the popular Dixie Sweethearts, the group toured TOBA circuits, performing in picture houses, jazz clubs, ballrooms and variety theatres.
In the tradition of prior all-female bands led by musical theater stars, headliners Eddie Crump and Neliska Ann "Baby" Briscoe both led the band as dancing, singing front women.
Briscoe had gained prominence in New Orleans and had worked with Lil Hardin Armstrong’s all-female band and Joe Robichaux and his Rhythm Boys.
Trombonist Lela Julius and saxophonist Vi Burnside were two of the group’s leading soloists.