Ernest Whitman

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.

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Photograph of Ernest Whitman

Ernest Whitman

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.

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Edward 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.