#early comedy

Bert Williams!  This vaudeville comic & singer broke through all kinds of color barriers to become one of the most popular performers of his day.  From the 1890's until his death in  1922, Bert was known as a brilliant comedian.  Although he usually had to play his act in blackface, he was able to sing & act on white Broadway stages along with white players (in the Ziegfeld Follies) -- a true rarity.  He recorded many songs and spoken word bits on Columbia Records, making him one of the few early vaudeville stars whose work has been preserved.  More to come from me on this innovative (and damned nice looking) performer.