In the video extra below, learn more about Louis Mitchell, a young black entrepreneur in 1920 Paris, who brought African American jazz musicians to Montmartre. Mitchell formed a popular quintet, made the first jazz recording in France, and opened all-night lunch counters to cater to inebriated club-goers.

Ada Bricktop Smith, Mabel Mercer and guests at Bricktop's, a popular jazz club in Paris.

After World War I, many African Americans remained or returned to Europe, and over the next two decades, created an expatriate community of musicians, entertainers, dancers, and entrepreneurs, primarily congregating in Paris’ hilly Montmartre neighborhood. Based on the book by William Shack, HARLEM IN MONTMARTRE: A Paris Jazz Story looks at the impact of African American performers and musicians during the great jazz era of Paris.

HARLEM IN MONTMARTRE airs tonight, August 26, on Great Performances on PBS (check local listings).

Learn more about tonight’s broadcast and watch a preview >>