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Tag: Performing Arts – Singers

Nora Holt (1885 – January 25, 1974)

Nora Holt was an important figure in the history of Black music in Chicago in the 1930s and was a noted musician, composer, and renowned singer and performer during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1940s. While employed as a music critic for the Chicago Defender … Read MoreNora Holt (1885 – January 25, 1974)

Posted on April 21, 2023April 27, 2023by contributed by: BlackPast and Lisa Roy
African American History: African American History: People

Gloria Davy (1931-2012)

Gloria Davy, a rich-voiced (lirico-spinto) soprano who “sang for the sheer joy of singing” had a four decade career as a concert singer. Early in her career she replaced Leontyne Price as Bess in the 1954 international tour of Porgy and Bess. In 1958 she … Read MoreGloria Davy (1931-2012)

Posted on January 17, 2013May 19, 2021by contributed by: Marianne Hanson
African American History: African American History: People

Leslie Uggams (1943- )

Leslie Uggams, actress, singer, entertainer, and recording artist, was born in New York City, May 25, 1943 and grew up in a four-room house in the Washington Heights section of Manhattan.  Her father, Harold C. Uggams, worked as a train porter, elevator operator, and professional … Read MoreLeslie Uggams (1943- )

Posted on July 11, 2011May 20, 2021by contributed by: Don Cleary
African American History: African American History: People

Zadie Smith (1975- )

Zadie Smith, writer and essayist, was born in the London, UK borough of Brent on October 25, 1975. Smith was named Sadie by her mother, a Jamaican immigrant who arrived in London in the late 1970s, and her English father. Smith enjoyed tap dancing as … Read MoreZadie Smith (1975- )

Posted on June 7, 2010February 25, 2020by contributed by: Emily Cousins
Global African History: Global African History: People

Etta James (1938-2012)

Rhythm and blues (R&B), jazz, and blues singer Etta James was born Jamesetta Hawkins on January 25, 1938 in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles to Dorothy Hawkins, who at the time was sixteen years old and unmarried. James received her first professional training as … Read MoreEtta James (1938-2012)

Posted on May 9, 2009April 13, 2021by contributed by: Ryan Byarlay
African American History: African American History: People

Lillian Randolph (1915-1980)

Lillian Randolph was a 20th Century actress who routinely, yet proudly, presented the role of the black domestic in film and radio and defended her right to maintain such characters in an intelligent fashion for much of her career.  Randolph was born in Knoxville, Tennessee … Read MoreLillian Randolph (1915-1980)

Posted on December 29, 2008December 10, 2020by contributed by: Adrienne Wartts
African American History: African American History: People

Johnny Mathis (1935- )

John “Johnny” Royce Mathis, singer, was born in Gilmer, Texas on September 30, 1935, the fourth of seven children born to Clem, a chauffeur and handyman, and Mildred, a maid.  The Mathis family moved to San Francisco, California‘s Fillmore District when Mathis was a young … Read MoreJohnny Mathis (1935- )

Posted on December 15, 2008May 19, 2021by contributed by: Robert Stirling
African American History: African American History: People

Edna Mae Harris (1914-1997)

Actress Edna Mae Harris made a name for herself as a lead in underground films of the 1930s and 1940s, which depicted the life of the black bourgeoisie. Harris was born in Harlem, New York, in 1914 to Sam and Mary Harris. Her father was … Read MoreEdna Mae Harris (1914-1997)

Posted on December 6, 2008December 10, 2020by contributed by: Adrienne Wartts
African American History: African American History: People

Flora Batson (1864-1906)

Flora Batson was an internationally acclaimed concert singer of the nineteenth century whose talent and prestige earned her the title “Queen of Song.” She was born on April 16, 1864 in Washington, D.C., to Mary A. Batson, a Civil War widow. Mother and daughter moved … Read MoreFlora Batson (1864-1906)

Posted on June 27, 2008July 25, 2020by contributed by: Shannon Erickson
African American History: African American History: People

Pearl Mae Bailey (1918-1990)

Legendary entertainer Pearl Mae Bailey was born on March 29, 1918 in Southamption County, Virginia to Rev. Joseph and Ella Mae Bailey.  She grew up in Newport News, Virginia.  Bailey began her acting and singing career early at the age of 15 with her debut … Read MorePearl Mae Bailey (1918-1990)

Posted on May 27, 2008May 20, 2021by contributed by: Cassandra Waggoner
African American History: African American History: People

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