They inspire me...

As we wrap up February, which is African-American history month, I wanted to look back on one of my favorite recent shows this month. I had the pleasure of performing for the Roswell Roots Kids Family Celebration Art at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. During that show, I did my usual routine of juggling, music, and humor. I also took the opportunity to talk about three artists who have always inspired me and my work. These artists are the Mills Brothers, Josephine Baker, and Bert Williams. Each of these artists deserves their share of attention. However, I wanted to include all three of them for the show.

The Mills Brothers hold a special meaning to me. They became a household name in the early 20th century with their distinct vocal arrangements. Their ability to harmonize effortlessly set them apart in a burgeoning music industry focused on individuality. Songs like "Paper Doll" and "You Always Hurt the One You Love" became staples of their repertoire. In some early pictures of the Mills Brothers, you see the oldest of the Brothers, John, holding a ukulele. The ukulele he's holding is a baritone ukulele similar to the ukulele I play in my shows and my hospital work.  When I look at the images of the brothers Donald, Harry, and Herbert Mills, I see they look like me. Their style of dress and demeanor on stage was similar to mine; of course, they were not clowns; however, they were singers, and I do more than my share of singing in my work. One of my favorite things to do in the hospital is to play music. Much of the music I play is from the era of the Mills Brothers and their peers, the Ink Spots. They carried with them musical excellence, refinement, poise, and elegance, which I admire.

The second artist is Josephine Baker. Josephine Baker was a multi-talented performer, Baker emerged as one of the first Black international stars with her stage presence and groundbreaking performances. Baker's famous act in the 1920s involved dancing in a banana skirt, a performance that challenged the norms of society. She moved to France because she found better work opportunities there. When World War II began, she became involved in the French resistance against the Nazis. Josephine Baker was not merely a vaudeville dancer and jazz singer; she was a force of nature who shattered the racial barriers of her time and became an international celebrity. 

Her stardom became a shield, giving her to confront the realities of the Nazi regime. Fearless and fiercely outspoken, Josephine discovered ways to challenge those who sought to belittle or silence the suffering of the oppressed. She unearthed ways to captivate her audience and boldly resist injustice by amplifying her voice. You can read more about her activities during World War II here. She is an example of an artist doing what they can to make the world a better place.

The final artist is Bert Williams.  Williams was famous for performing in minstrel shows at the turn of the century. Early in his career, he performed with another black man, George Walker, as two "Real Coons”. They used this name because it was fashionable for white performers to put on blackface and perform as Black people, "coons”.

After  George Walker passed away, Bert Williams continued to perform in minstrel shows and vaudeville, working with the Ziegfeld Follies. In his day, Williams was one of the country's three most famous black men, along with boxer Jack Johnson and educator Booker T Washington. He made his movie, "Natural Born Gambler," over a hundred years ago. In the film, he plays a gambler in an illegal gambling house. It is a silent classic that holds up well as a film today.

Offstage, Williams was a tall man known for his poise and distinction. On stage, he played a character known for his ineptness. Throughout his career, he faced institutional racism, which meant that the only roles he could play were the lazy coon. Within that role, he was known for giving his characters depth and dignity. 

I am grateful that Al Stilo invited me to do the show at Roswell. I appreciate the opportunity to perform for the audience to create laughter and joy and share some history that speaks to our experience today.