Its traffic is figuratively described as "Harlem's heartbeat" by Langston Hughes in his poem Juke Box Love Song.

[3] Originally a part of Sixth Avenue, the segment north of Central Park was renamed in late 1887[4] for philanthropist James Lenox.

The street brought together African Americans, Latinos, British West Indians, and Spaniards who developed relationships over common interests such as jazz and food.

"Imagine going into a joint to check out Willie 'The Lion' Smith, and sitting next to you are Duke Ellington and James P.

The IRT Lenox Avenue Line runs under the entire length of the street, serving the New York City Subway's 2 and ​3 trains.