For every bustling jazz joint that opened in Korean War-era Harlem, a new church seemed to spring up.
About the Author: LANGSTON Hughes (1902-1967), a leading light of the Harlem Renaissance, worked as a novelist, poet, and playwright, in addition to being a mentor and inspiration to other greats..
Harlem Moon Classics is proud to reintroduce readers of all generations to this sparkling gem from the canon of Langston Hughes.
But then Laura falls for Buddy, a scam artist who suggests selling to the faithful lucky numbers from Scripture and bottles of tap water as "Holy Water from the Jordan." Even with a Cadillac and piles of money from Laura, Buddy won\'t stay faithful, igniting a crime of passion and betrayal.
The two women are joined in their ministering by Birdie Lee, the little-old-lady trap drummer who can work the congregation to a feverish pitch, and Deacon Crow-For-Day, an impassioned confessor.
Before long they move to a thousand-seat theatre called the Tambourine Temple.
Their sidewalk services are a hit: Laura\'s a natural street performer who loves the limelight, while Essie is a charismatic singer with a quiet spirituality.
On a day of inspiration, the friends decide to use a thrift-store tambourine and a layaway Bible to start a church.
Essie wants to somehow earn enough money to reunite with her daughter and provide her with a nice home
Laura loves young men, mink coats, and fine Scotch.
Essie Belle Johnson and Laura Reed live in adjoining tenement flats, adrift on public relief.
Tambourines to Glory introduces you to an unlikely team behind a church whose rock was the curb at 126th and Lenox.
For every bustling jazz joint that opened in Korean War-era Harlem, a new church seemed to spring up
