Richard Wells

Richard "Dickie" Wells (1908–1949), also sometimes known as Mr. Harlem, was an American tap dancer and nightclub owner. Wells first gained note dancing in the Wells, Mordecai and Taylor Dance Trio with Jimmy Mordecai and Ernest Taylor. This group performed at New York City nightclubs such as the Cotton Club.

Relationships with women Wells was thought to have had relationships with many well-known women including Nina Mae McKinney, Joan Crawford, Tallulah Bankhead, Ava Gardner, Lana Turner, Margherite Chapman, and Jean Parks.

Club ownership Wells owned and managed "Dickie's Club," in Harlem, which was known for its food. Wells is rumored to have been the inventor of chicken and waffles. Singer Billy Daniels was among the notable performers at his club.

Death At the age of 41, Wells died of causes related to alcohol and cocaine use Wells is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, NY.

Trials After his death, Wells was named in a trial concerning Tallulah Bankhead. It was believed he supplied Bankhead with cocaine. Wells was also involved in a trial involving the daughter of a US diplomat who had become a call girl.