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The Harlem Globetrotters have been entertaining fans across the nation for 80 years, displaying agility and athleticism, and forever engraining Brother Bones whistled "Sweet Georgia Brown" in the minds of Americans everywhere.
The team was created by Abe Saperstein in 1927 in Chicago, and eventually took the name Harlem Globetrotters, based on the African-American cultural movement coming out of the area in New York City. Interestingly, the team didnt play its first "home" game in Harlem until 1968, over 40 years after its inception.
The group started out as a competitive team, only showing off to the audience when a firm lead had already been formed over the opposing team. Eventually, the group started to work more comic routines into their act until they were primarily known as entertainment. The show that has developed involves juggling several balls, balancing or spinning balls and making unusual or difficult shots.
A number of Globetrotters went on to become NBA legends, including Wilt Chamberlain, Connie Hawkins, Nat Clifton, plus Fred Neal, who was known as the best dribbler in the history of the team.
The Globetrotters became more of a business exploit in the '70s and '80s - the men played against teams such as the Washington Generals or the New York Nationals on tour, and they were involved with a number of live-action variety shows and other series.
One nice thing about focusing on entertainment is that the team rarely lost- after they lost to the Washington Generals in 1962, they only lost two more games over the next 38 years.
While the team eventually lost popularity, former member Mannie Jackson bought the group in 1993 and revived it - in 2002, the team was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
In addition to touring the globe and appearing as guests on television shows, the team has had some media attention of its own - "The Harlem Globetrotters" is a 1951 film focused on the team, and "Go, Man, Go" was the 1954 sequel, starring Sidney Poitier. "Harlem Globetrotters" was a Saturday morning cartoon, and "The Super Globetrtters" involved a new squad of trotters.
As of late, however, the group is known primarily for its stunts on the basketball court.
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