Richard Wells (dancer)
Richard "Dickie" Wells (1908–1949) was an American tap dancer and nightclub owner. Wells was affectionately known as “Mr. Harlem.” He first gained notoriety dancing in the Wells, Mordecai and Taylor Dance Trio with Jimmy Mordecai and Ernest Taylor. This group performed at notable New York City nightclubs such as the Cotton Club. After being a dancer, Wells later became a nightclub owner. Relationships with women
Wells was known as a playboy and was thought to have had relationships with many famous women including Nina Mae McKinney, Joan Crawford, Tallulah Bankhead, Ava Gardner, and Lana Turner, Margherite Chapman, and Jean Parks. Wells introduced Joe Louis to a number of women. Club Ownership 
Wells assumed ownership and management of the establishment known as "Dickie's Club," which gained renown for its culinary offerings. Wells is rumored to have been the inventor of chicken and waffles. His club is one of the earliest known restaurants to serve the dish. The club attracted famous patrons, among them Tallulah Bankhead, Errol Flynn, Ava Gardner, Clark Gable, Bumpy Johnson, Charlie Chaplin, Joan Crawford, and Walter Winchell. Singer Billy Daniels was among the notable performers at his club. 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. Death
At the age of 41, Wells died of causes related to alcohol and cocaine use in the apartment of singer Jean Parks. Wells is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, NY. References

1908 births
1949 deaths
American tap dancers
American male dancers
African-American male dancers