Taylor_Sierra_Early Twentieth Century Black American Entertainers

Item set

Title: Taylor_Sierra_Early Twentieth Century Black American Entertainers
Description: This collection is a comprised of Black American entertainers who significantly contributed to the musical landscape and Hollywood during the early to mid 1900's. Many of these entertainers left long-lasting legacies and inspired countless, future entertainers despite the unfair treatment some of them have received due to their ancestral ties to enslavement. Black Americans make up roughly fifteen percent of the United States population. The collection features photographs, videos, and artwork depicting some of the most well-known names in entertainment such as Josephine Baker, Billie Holiday, Ray Charles,
Ma Rainey, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
Subject: African American actors; African American singers; Blues (Music); Entertainers; Jazz; Twentieth century;
Creator: Sierra Taylor
Date: 2025
Rights: All rights reserved by the original creators of this material.
Type: Collection

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Sister Rosetta Tharpe & The Lucky Millinder Orchestra • “Shout Sister Shout • 1941 [RITY Archive]
The Lucky Millinder Orchestra accompanies Sister Rosetta Tharpe in a performance of "Shout Sister Shout" in 1941.
The Genius Hits the Road
With Ralph Burns being the conductor and Montague Everett the photographer, Ray Charles delivered an album totaling twelve tracks. Specifically, "Georgia On My Mind", became number one on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
Prove It On Me
"Prove It On Me" is a daring song by Ma Rainey which was recorded in 1928. Ma Rainey was interested in both men and women. She addressed the rumors surrounding her sexuality in the infamous lyrics: "They say I do it, ain't nobody caught me; Sure got to prove it on me; Went out last night with a crowd of my friends; They must've been women, 'cause I don't like no men."
Gertrude Pridgett "Ma" Rainey.
Heralded as a pioneer of blues music, Ma Rainey smiles for the photo. Not only was she known for her full vocals and charisma, but she inspired future blues artists to embrace the integration of country and classic blues.
Ray Charles at home in Los Angeles, 1966.
This black and white picture of Ray Charles was taken in his Los Angeles home. He is seated on a couch in front of a wall embellished with various awards. Despite his visual impairment, Charles was an excellent performer and knew how to engage an audience.
Billie Holiday - "Strange Fruit" Live 1959 [Reelin' In The Years Archives]
A live performance of Billie Holiday's most iconic and arguably emotive song "Strange Fruit". The title of the song refers to victims of lynching and the horrifying racial violence Black Americans have endured for centuries. Although the song was heavily controversial at the time, it resonated with the Black American community and is still performed today.
Josephine Baker with Swan
Posed against a light blue background, a portrait of Josephine Baker is pictured with her donning a bright smile and sporting her signature, curly hairstyle. She is likely wearing a costume decorated with a white swan blanketed over her chest.
Au 7è me Trophée de l'Elegance féminine, Joséphine Baker présentait une magnifique voiture.
The title translates to "At the seventh annual Women's Elegance Trophy, Josephine Baker presented a magnificent car". Clad in a fashionable dress and gloves, Josephine Baker poses next to her Delage D8-85, a French luxury car. Women's stylish, comfortable clothing (which complements the color design of the car) was influential to car companies hoping to market their cars towards women.