I've known Grant for many years. Great guy. He used to do locations on movies back in the day. His book is an amazing tribute to his grandfather and we're fortunate that he did that work, so the history could be preserved. Also, he succeeded in getting a street named after his grandfather--Leonard Harper Way--which is pretty amazing.
I remember some very many years ago, when I worked in Harlem, Grant and I used to chat from time to time, because we are friends. One day he told me an amazing story about what he discovered about grandfather, Leonard Harper. He said that when he was researching about him, It was like finding a vast hidden treasure about black showmanship. The passion for finding more and more about his grandfather grew. He realized for the first time, that his grandfather was one of the greatest entertainer's in Harlem and the world. As the story about his grandfather unfolded, it became clear and evident that he was a leader, pioneer and centerpiece of the " Harlem Renaissance " . It only seemed natural for Dr. Grant Harper Reid to share his personal family treasure chest for the world to enjoy, in his incredible book that he wrote and entitled " Rhythm for Sale " . This book is share genius, as he tells the truth and nothing but the truth. By his grandfathers hand and spirit, he was handed down, entrusted and greatly blessed with a proud heritage of a generations worth of wealth, of ambition, talent and leadership. According to his grandson Grant, he lived for one purpose, and one purpose alone, and that was to please his beloved audiences. In befitting a Great Harlemite, a street was renamed in his Grandfather's honor at 132nd Street and Seventh Avenue. The street is renamed " Leonard Harper Way " . I had the privilege and the distinct honor to be invited by Grant to the street renaming ceremony, unvailing and reception. It was my pleasure to be in the presence of a wonderful family, friends, dignitaries, celebrities and the press. After the unvailing, Grant hosted a reception at " Lorraines Place " where everyone had a ball. In essence, the culmination of this book made the street renaming possible. As we were enjoying some fried chicken, we all shared a toast to " Leonard Harper Way " .
Links are Better Than "Likes" Thanks Grant Harper Reid
in Black Literature
Posted
http://nuarchive.wbai.org/mp3/wbai_160806_060004mornec.mp3
Grant talks about Harlem of Yesteryear on WBAI.
http://nuarchive.wbai.org/mp3/wbai_160806_060004mornec.mp3
Grant the author of "Rhythm For Sale" talks about Harlem of Yesteryear on radio station WBAI