Existing comment:
The Howard Theatre Walk of Fame
Moms Mabley (1918-1990)
Moms Mabley was a legendary personality in comedy and became a staple of what became known as the "chitlin' circuit" -- a chain of performance venues that primarily booked Black acts through the 1960s. When she came out as a lesbian, her career went on to critiqued normative perceptions of race and sexuality in comedy. Mabley's gritty humor and grandmotherly personality charmed audiences from the Howard Theatre to Carnegie Hall, while giving her the platform to comment on the most pertinent social issues.
Pearl Bailey (1907-1994)
Pearl Bailey spent her early singing days in Washington, often opening for other burgeoning contemporaries like Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway. Eventually becoming a mainstay of "Black Broadway" herself. Bailey's voluminous voice went on to perform in a wildly successful, all-Black production of Hello, Dolly! This, along with her performance in Porgy and Bess, would solidify her career in musical theatre, earning her a Tony Award.
Lionel Hampton (1908-2002)
Lionel Hampton, a prominent force in the swing area, demonstrated unparalleled dexterity of the vibraphone. In addition to popularizing the instrument, his association with Benny Goodman, a white jazz clarinetist, would serve as an important example of integration -- at a time when Jim Crowe-era oppression left many Black artists struggling to appeal to mainstream audiences. Hampton's own band would go on to set the state for rhythm and blues with jumping hits like "Flying Home" (1939).
Ruth Brown (1928-2006)
Ruth Brown was discovered at Crystal Caverns -- Bohemian Caverns' predecessor -- when Cab Calloway's sister, Blanche, arranged the gig. She was later discovered by Atlantic Records. After signing to the emergent label in 1949, Brown pivoted from ballads to rhythm and blues (R&B), and garnered her first hit "So Long" (1949). This would be the first of many of her R&B successes, earning the fitting nickname "Miss Rhythm". Brown's cadence slowed slightly during the 1960s before becoming a vehement advocate for artist royalties in the 1970s; she was instrumental in the founding of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, which continues to support the civil rights of musicians.
The Clovers (1946- )
The Clovers could first be heard wooing their classmates at nearby Truxton Circle's Armstrong High School. The original trio, Harold Lucas, Billy Shelton, and Thomas Woods, became a quartet with the addition of lead singer John "Buddy" Bailey -- and the "Four Clovers" were born. Matthew McQuater and Harold Winley would eventually replace Shelton and Woods; with Bill Harris onboard as their signature guitarist, the group was primed for their first hit "Don't You Know I Love You" (1951). The Clovers' anthem "Love Potion No. 9" (1959) culminated a decade of doo-wop and R&B chart-topping dominance during the 1950s. |