Famous People Born In Harlem

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 1 
Sammy Davis Jr.
(Singer, Dancer and Actor Known for His Song ‘The Candy Man’)
Sammy Davis Jr.
30
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: December 8, 1925
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Died: May 16, 1990

Nicknamed “Mister Show Business,” posthumous Grammy-winner Samuel Davis Jr. was a multifaceted performer who excelled in dancing, singing, and acting. From delivering vaudeville performances as a child, Samuel graduated to creating Billboard charters and performing with Frank Sinatra as part of the Rat Pack. Sadly, he died in debt.

 2 
Sean Combs
(Rapper and Record Producer Known for His Albums: ‘No Way Out’ , ‘Forever’ and ‘Press Play’)
Sean Combs
46
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: November 4, 1969
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Three-time Grammy-winning hip-hop legend Sean Combs, known to fans as Puffy, Puff Daddy, or Diddy, started off as a talent director with Uptown and then launched his own record label. His debut album, No Way Out, was certified 7Xplatinum, and his song I'll Be Missing You topped the Billboard charts. 
 3 
ASAP Rocky
(Member of The Hip-Hop Collective 'A$AP Mob')
ASAP Rocky
57
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: October 3, 1988
Sun Sign: Libra
Rapper ASAP Rocky gained fame with his debut mixtape, LiveLoveA$AP. He released two consecutive Billboard 200-topping albums, Long. Live. ASAP and At. Long. Last. A$AP. Fans loved his Grammy-nominated single Fuckin' Problems. He also produces using the pseudonym Lord Flacko and is part of the hip-hop collective A$AP Mob.
 4 
James Baldwin
(Author Best Known for His Novel 'Go Tell It on the Mountain')
James Baldwin
38
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: August 2, 1924
Sun Sign: Leo
Died: December 1, 1987

Amongst the greatest writers of the 20th century and a leading literary voice in the civil rights movement, James Baldwin extensively explored issues like race, sexuality and humanity in his work. His best known work include his debut novel Go Tell It on the Mountain and his books of essays Notes of a Native Son and Nobody Knows My Name.

 5 
Colin Powell
(The First African-American Secretary of State)
Colin Powell
60
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: April 5, 1937
Sun Sign: Aries
Died: October 18, 2021

A veteran politician who served as the 65th United States Secretary of State, Colin Powell was the first African-American Secretary of State. A member of the Republican Party, he was an army man prior to entering politics. He was a  four-star general at the time of his retirement. After leaving politics, he pursued a career as a public speaker.

 6 
Damon Wayans
(Actor, Comedian and Member of the 'Wayans' Family of Entertainers)
Damon Wayans
22
Birthdate: September 4, 1960
Sun Sign: Virgo

An important member of the popular Wayans family, Damon Wayans is a stand-up comedian and actor. Over the years, Damon Wayans has been a prominent and influential member of popular sketch comedy series, such as In Living Color and Saturday Night Live.

 7 
Keenen Ivory Wayans
(Actor, Comedian and Filmmaker Known for His Comedy Series, ‘In Living Color’, and the Film ‘Hollywood Shuffle’)
Keenen Ivory Wayans
16
Birthdate: June 8, 1958
Sun Sign: Gemini
Keenen Ivory Wayans, part of the Wayans family of comedians, is best known as the host of the show In Living Color. He has also directed and written several movies, including the horror spoof Scary Movie and its first sequel. He has also hosted The Keenen Ivory Wayans Show.
 8 
Teyana Taylor
(Singer-Songwriter Who Appeared on MTV's 'My Super Sweet 16')
Teyana Taylor
33
Listed In: Dancers
Birthdate: December 10, 1990
Sun Sign: Sagittarius

R&B and hip-hop singer Teyana Taylor gained fame with MTV's My Super Sweet 16. She signed with Kanye West’s label and also appeared on the reality show Teyana and Iman, with her husband, NBA player Iman Shumpert. In December 2020, she announced her retirement from music through Instagram.

 9 
Teresa Wright
(Actress)
Teresa Wright
2
Birthdate: October 27, 1918
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Died: March 6, 2005

Teresa Wright was an American actress best remembered for her portrayal of Carol Beldon in the 1942 romantic war drama film Mrs. Miniver, which earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Teresa Wright worked with top directors like Alfred Hitchcock, who admired her professionalism.

 10 
Moby
(Musician)
Moby
9
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: September 11, 1965
Sun Sign: Virgo
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 11 
Kelis
(Singer-songwriter and chef who is known for her hit singles "Milkshake" and "Bossy.")
Kelis
9
Listed In: Food Experts
Birthdate: August 21, 1979
Sun Sign: Leo
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 12 
Ed Sullivan
(Legendary Host of the TV Variety Show 'The Ed Sullivan Show')
Ed Sullivan
7
Birthdate: September 28, 1901
Sun Sign: Libra
Died: October 13, 1974
Sports reporter and TV personality Ed Sullivan is best remembered as the host and creator of the variety show named The Toast of the Town, later renamed The Ed Sullivan Show. One of TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time, he was also a skilled columnist.
 13 
Biz Markie
(Rappers)
Biz Markie
17
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: April 8, 1964
Sun Sign: Aries
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
 14 
Audre Lorde
(American Poet Whose Poems Expressed Anger and Outrage at Civil and Social Injustices)
Audre Lorde
18
Listed In: Activists
Birthdate: February 18, 1934
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Died: November 17, 1992

Author and poet Audre Lorde is remembered as a firebrand feminist and a champion for the LGBT community. Openly lesbian, she penned iconic volumes such as Cables to Rage and The Black Unicorn. She also recorded her 14-year struggle with cancer in The Cancer Journals and A Burst of Light.

 15 
Sheck Wes
(Rapper Best Known for His 2017 Hit 'Mo Bamba')
Sheck Wes
12
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: September 10, 1998
Sun Sign: Virgo
Rapper Sheck Wes is best known for his hit Mo Bamba. He has signed with the labels of Kanye West and Travis Scott and also modeled for Birkenstock. In late 2020, he joined the French basketball club Paris Basketball, which competes in the LNB Pro B.
 16 
Azealia Banks
(Rapper Known for Her Viral Single '212')
Azealia Banks
18
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: May 31, 1991
Sun Sign: Gemini

Azealia Banks is an American rapper, actress, singer, and songwriter. After releasing music through the social networking service Myspace, Banks signed to XL Recordings. After a brief association with Polydor Records and Interscope, Banks founded her own label, Chaos & Glory Recordings. Over the years, her outspoken views on sensitive subjects like race have attracted criticism, controversy, and media scrutiny.

 17 
Norman Whitfield
(Songwriter)
Norman Whitfield
3
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: May 12, 1940
Sun Sign: Taurus
Died: September 16, 2008
 18 
Rochelle Aytes
(Actress and Model Best Known for Her Role as ‘April Malloy’ in the TV Series ‘Mistresses’)
Rochelle Aytes
12
Birthdate: May 17, 1976
Sun Sign: Taurus

Actress and model, Rochelle Aytes, gained international fame for her role in the  ABC drama series Mistresses. An alumnus of the State University of New York at Purchase College, she began her career soon after her graduation. After appearing in commercials for several popular brands, she made her acting debut. She has since acted in many films and TV shows.

 19 
Taj Mahal
(Self-taught Grammy Award-winning blues musician)
Taj Mahal
5
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: May 17, 1942
Sun Sign: Taurus
 20 
Cuba Gooding Sr.
(The most successful lead singer of the soul group)
Cuba Gooding Sr.
3
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: April 27, 1944
Sun Sign: Taurus
Died: April 20, 2017
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 21 
Ilfenesh Hadera
(Actress)
Ilfenesh Hadera
9
Birthdate: December 1, 1985
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 22 
Bud Powell
(American Jazz Pianist and Composer)
Bud Powell
0
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: September 27, 1924
Sun Sign: Libra
Died: August 1, 1966
 23 
Darryl McDaniels
(Musician)
Darryl McDaniels
2
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: May 31, 1964
Sun Sign: Gemini
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 24 
Cam'ron
(Rapper)
Cam'ron
12
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: February 4, 1976
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 25 
Rob Brown
(Actor)
Rob Brown
1
Birthdate: March 11, 1984
Sun Sign: Pisces
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 26 
Sylvia Robinson
(Singer)
Sylvia Robinson
5
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: March 6, 1935
Sun Sign: Pisces
Died: September 29, 2011
 27 
Seymour Martin Lipset
(Sociologist, Political scientist)
Seymour Martin Lipset
1
Birthdate: March 18, 1922
Sun Sign: Pisces
Died: December 31, 2006
 28 
Pee Wee Kirkland
(Basketball player)
Pee Wee Kirkland
5
Listed In: Criminals
Birthdate: May 6, 1945
Sun Sign: Taurus
 29 
Carmen McRae
(One of the most influential jazz vocalists of the 20th century)
Carmen McRae
3
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: April 8, 1920
Sun Sign: Aries
Died: November 10, 1994
 30 
Mo Bamba
(Center)
Mo Bamba
3
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: May 12, 1998
Sun Sign: Taurus
Height: 7'0" (213 cm)
 31 
Frank Pellegrino
(Actor, Restaurateur)
Frank Pellegrino
2
Listed In: Business People
Birthdate: May 19, 1944
Sun Sign: Taurus
Died: January 31, 2017
 32 
Sasha Allen
(Semi-finalist on the 4th season of NBC's The Voice)
Sasha Allen
0
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: June 4, 1982
Sun Sign: Gemini
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 33 
Benny Carter
(Saxophonist)
Benny Carter
0
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: August 8, 1907
Sun Sign: Leo
Died: July 12, 2003
 34 
Lyman Good
(American Mixed Martial Artist)
Lyman Good
1
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: May 26, 1985
Sun Sign: Gemini
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 35 
Etan Thomas
(Basketball Player)
Etan Thomas
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: April 1, 1978
Sun Sign: Aries
Height: 6'10" (208 cm)
 36 
Royal Ivey
(Basketball player, Basketball coach)
Royal Ivey
1
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: December 20, 1981
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
 37 
Julius Hodge
(Basketball player, Basketball coach)
Julius Hodge
1
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: November 18, 1983
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Height: 6'7" (201 cm)
 38 
Ralph MacDonald
(Songwriter, Jazz musician)
Ralph MacDonald
1
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: March 15, 1944
Sun Sign: Pisces
Died: December 18, 2011
 39 
Toni Cade Bambara
(Author)
Toni Cade Bambara
3
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: March 25, 1939
Sun Sign: Aries
Died: December 9, 1995
 40 
Joe Cortez
(American Former Boxing Referee and Boxer)
Joe Cortez
0
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: October 13, 1945
Sun Sign: Libra
 41 
June Jordan
(Poet)
June Jordan
2
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: July 9, 1936
Sun Sign: Cancer
Died: June 14, 2002
 42 
Jerry Harkness
(Basketball player)
Jerry Harkness
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: May 7, 1940
Sun Sign: Taurus
Died: August 24, 2021
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 43 
Holcombe Rucker
(Educator)
Holcombe Rucker
1
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: March 2, 1926
Sun Sign: Pisces
Died: March 20, 1965
 44 
James Butler
(Boxer)
James Butler
4
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: December 18, 1972
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 45 
Gloria Lynne
(Vocalist)
Gloria Lynne
0
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: November 23, 1929
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Died: October 15, 2013
 46 
Claude Brown
(Author)
Claude Brown
0
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: February 23, 1937
Sun Sign: Pisces
Died: February 2, 2002
 47 
Roy DeCarava
(Artist)
Roy DeCarava
2
Listed In: Photographers
Birthdate: December 9, 1919
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Died: October 27, 2009
 48 
J. Bruce Llewellyn
(Businessman)
J. Bruce Llewellyn
1
Listed In: Business People
Birthdate: July 16, 1927
Sun Sign: Cancer
Died: April 7, 2010
 49 
Vincent Harding
(Historian)
Vincent Harding
2
Birthdate: July 25, 1931
Sun Sign: Leo
Died: May 19, 2014
 50 
Norma Merrick Sklarek
(American Architect)
Norma Merrick Sklarek
0
Listed In: Architects
Birthdate: April 15, 1926
Sun Sign: Aries
Died: February 6, 2012