Stage Name |
Birth Name |
| Leon James |
Leon James |
| Poke (of Moke and Poke, Coke and Poke) |
|
Leon was one of the main Swing dancers
with the Whitey's
Lindy Hoppers in the 1930's and also danced with the Shorty
Snowden Trio. Danced at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem and Harvest
Moon Ball contests in New York winning first place with Ricker.
He can be seen in the movie 'Cabin in the Sky'
(as Poke) as well as in the 1961 Dupont Show of the Week (remade
as 'Chicago and All That Jazz') with Al
Minns doing Charleston, Lindy Hop etc.
In trying to keep the Lindy Hop dance alive,
Leon and Al Minns developed a novelty act in which they danced
together. Leon and Willa Mae Ricker are featured in the legendary
photo on the left in the 1943 Life Magazine.
Leon toured with the Ink Spots in the mid 1940s
as Moke and "Poke" and Coke and "Poke". in
the issue of The Providence Journal, (September, 12&14, 1945)
addresses the Moke and Poke / Coke and Poke question. |
