J2303

American Music

Ethel Waters

Collins Cover Announcement

POPULAR SINGERS

Ethel Waters

Ethel began her career in vaudeville and became one of our country's most versatile entertainers. She became an accomplished and acclaimed singer, dancer, and dramatic actress. Ethel Waters was a woman of "firsts". First woman to perform on stage in St. Louis Blues. First Black singer to appear with band leader Benny Goodman. First Black woman to appear in an all-white cast on Broadway. First Black woman to perform the leading role in a dramatic play.

She was born October 31, 1900 in Chester, PA and died in 1977. Her childhood was one of poverty as she was raised by her maternal grandmother. Her first singing job came at age 14 and by 17 she was working full time at the Lincoln Theatre in Baltimore. During World War II, she performed on radio programs for the USO and made the feature film "Stage Door Canteen" in 1943.

A Hollywood mainstay in the 1940's she appeared in many movies and in the 1950's acted in several Broadway shows. She eventually joined Billy Graham's evangelistic crusades and toured with him for fifteen years. Her distinctive singing style and wonderful stage presence made her a fan favorite.

My hand-painted cachet is a large portrait of a young and beautiful Miss Waters. I use the color pink very effectively in this cover with a blue and turquoise background. It's most appealing and will make a pleasant addition to any cover collection. An Oscar nominee and one of America's favorite gals of the 40's and 50's -- Ethel Waters. Item #J2303. $10.75.