Bricktop W/Jim Haskins

About the Author

Bricktop, born Ada Smith in 1894 in Alderson, West Virginia, rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most iconic figures in the jazz age, opening her legendary nightclub in Paris that drew luminaries like Cole Porter, the Duke of Windsor, and Josephine Baker. As a trailblazing Black entrepreneur, she navigated the complexities of race, gender, and international society with unmatched charisma and resilience, transforming her venues into hubs of cultural exchange during the Harlem Renaissance and beyond. Co-authored with acclaimed historian Jim Haskins, her memoir 'Bricktop' offers an intimate glimpse into a life of glamour, grit, and groundbreaking achievement, cementing her legacy as the queen of nightlife who bridged worlds and broke barriers.