As the US military called more African-American soldiers to service during World War II, they sought to find ways to boost their morale. From 1942 to 1953, the Armed Forces Radio Service broadcast a radio variety show called Jubilee, which featured a range of Black musicians, singers, and comedians. Comedian Ernest “Bubbles” Whitman, who got his start in vaudeville and appeared in many films throughout the late 1930s and early 1940s, was the host of Jubilee throughout the war.
View Full ProfileAs the US military called more African-American soldiers to service during World War II, they sought to find ways to boost their morale. From 1942 to 1953, the Armed Forces Radio Service broadcast a radio variety show called Jubilee, which featured a range of Black musicians, singers, and comedians. Comedian Ernest “Bubbles” Whitman, who got his start in vaudeville and appeared in many films throughout the late 1930s and early 1940s, was the host of Jubilee throughout the war.
View Full ProfileEdward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington
1899-1974Musician
One of the most accomplished composers and bandleaders in American history.
Ethel Waters
1896-1977Singer
Her sublime singing voice took her from first local vaudeville to Broadway, then nationwide via radio, television, and film.
Cab Calloway
1907-1994Musician
An instantly recognizable icon of the 1940s, bandleader Cab Calloway was known for energetic performances that infused jazz music with vaudeville’s theatrical entertainment.
Arthur "Dooley" Wilson
1886-1953Actor
The singer and actor became a film icon thanks to a single role and song, Wilson playing the piano player Sam in Casablanca (1942) and performing “As Time Goes By.”
Mantan Moreland
1902-1973Actor
Comedian Mantan Moreland had a hugely popular career as a vaudeville entertainer, working in Harlem, on Broadway, and touring abroad.
Bill “Bojangles” Robinson
1878-1949Dancer
One of America’s greatest dancers, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson pioneered a controlled, upright style of tap dancing that allowed him to perform intricate maneuvers, such as the famous Stair Dance.
Lillian Randolph
1898-1980Actor
Lillian Randolph’s extensive film, television, and radio career spanned hundreds of titles, from It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) to radio and TV in Amos ‘n’ Andy, to voicing Tom and Jerry cartoons.
Butterfly McQueen
1911-1995Actor
Butterfly McQueen’s high-pitched voice, impeccable comedic timing, and emotionally resonant performance made her film debut—as an overwhelmed young maid in Gone with the Wind (1939)—unforgettable.
Eddie “Rochester” Anderson
1905-1977Actor
Comedian Eddie Anderson became synonymous with his role as Jack Benny’s wise-cracking valet “Rochester,” a character he played on radio, film, and television continuously from 1937 to 1965.