USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Answer: Duke Ellington, Langston Hughes, and Bessie Smith are most closely associated with efforts to (3) promote the cultural identity of African Americans through the arts.

Detailed explanation-2: -Ellington became a staple in the Harlem Renaissance. He and Greer left Sweatman, trying to make it on their own. They were met with stiff competition. In 1923, Ellington began a four-year engagement with the Hollywood Club, later known as the Kentucky Club.

Detailed explanation-3: -Langston Hughes (1901-1967) As the most influential and widely celebrated voice of the Harlem Renaissance, Hughes also wrote essays, novels, short stories and plays, all of which centered and celebrated Black life and pride in African American heritage.

Detailed explanation-4: -Contribution to The Harlem Renaissance Bessie Smith was the first singer to popularize early jazz song. Her early death at the age of 43 cut short a career that influenced the direction of American music and contributed to the success of African Americans in the performing arts.

Detailed explanation-5: -In 1923 Ellington moved to New York City, at the request of Elmer Snowden, to join his group, The Washingtonians. Four years later, after Snowden left, Ellington and the group began performing at The Cotton Club, the most prominent nightclub in the Harlem area of New York City at the time.