James Lesley Daniels (November 23, 1907 – June 29, 1984) was an American cabaret performer, actor, model, and nightclub owner, a part of the Harlem Renaissance.

He was in the cast of Katharine Cornell's play on Broadway, Dishonored Lady, and performed with the Savage Rhythm in local theaters like Chamberlain Brown Stock Company in Mount Vernon, New York.

[3] In 1933 and 1934, Daniels toured Europe and performed at different places like Summer Sporting Club in Monte Carlo and Ciro's in London (with Reginald Forsythe).

[3] In 1950, Daniels became the lead performer at the Bon Soir in Greenwich Village, a place which attracted a mixed clientele—Black, White, straight, gay.

[3] At the same time Jimmy Merry, prominent property owner of Cherry Grove, New York, hired Daniels to manage the Tiffany Room, now the Ice Palace.

"[7] Later Daniels was in a relationship with Kenneth Macpherson, filmmaker who was married with wealthy English heiress Annie Winifred Ellerman, also known as Bryher.

[9] Jimmie Daniels died on June 29, 1984, just a few days after performing at the Kool Jazz Festival's Evening of the Music of Harold Arlen at Carnegie Hall.