Ollie Potter (born 1900 in

Louisville, Kentucky Louisville ( , , ) is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the 28th most-populous city in the United States. Louisville is the historical seat and, since 2003, the nominal seat of Jefferson County, on the Indiana border ...

– 16 August 1953

Manhattan Manhattan (), known regionally as the City, is the most densely populated and geographically smallest of the five boroughs of New York City. The borough is also coextensive with New York County, one of the original counties of the U.S. state ...

New York New York most commonly refers to: * New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York * New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States New York may also refer to: Film and television * '' ...

) was an American female blues singer, notably of

Cleveland Cleveland ( ), officially the City of Cleveland, is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County. Located in the northeastern part of the state, it is situated along the southern shore of Lake Erie, across the U.S. ...

and

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, and a dancer, particularly of the

shimmy A shimmy is a dance move in which the body is held still, except for the shoulders, which are quickly alternated back and forth. When the right shoulder goes back, the left one comes forward. History In 1917, a dance-song titled "Shim-Me-Sha ...

style.

Career

Potter flourished regionally in

during the

prohibition Prohibition is the act or practice of forbidding something by law; more particularly the term refers to the banning of the manufacture, storage (whether in barrels or in bottles), transportation, sale, possession, and consumption of alcoholic ...

, on into the

Great Depression The Great Depression (19291939) was an economic shock that impacted most countries across the world. It was a period of economic depression that became evident after a major fall in stock prices in the United States. The economic contagio ...

, from the late 1920s, then relocated in

Harlem Harlem is a neighborhood in Upper Manhattan, New York City. It is bounded roughly by the Hudson River on the west; the Harlem River and 155th Street (Manhattan), 155th Street on the north; Fifth Avenue on the east; and 110th Street (Manhattan), ...

, beginning around 1934, performing through the early 1950s with

Art Tatum Arthur Tatum Jr. (, October 13, 1909 – November 5, 1956) was an American jazz pianist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest in his field. From early in his career, Tatum's technical ability was regarded by fellow musicians as extraord ...

Dickie Wells William Wells (June 10, 1907 – November 12, 1985), known professionally as Dicky Wells (sometimes Dickie Wells), was an American jazz trombonist. Career Dickie Wells is believed to have been born on June 10, 1907 in Centerville, Tennessee, Uni ...

Willie "the Lion" Smith William Henry Joseph Bonaparte Bertholf Smith (November 23, 1893 – April 18, 1973), nicknamed "The Lion", was an American jazz and stride pianist. Early life William Henry Joseph Bonaparte Bertholf, known as Willie, was born in 1893 in Goshen, ...

, Ollie Shepard, and others. She made very few recordings — an extant four — but had been acclaimed by various musicologists and critics for one in particular — a 1941 amateur recording with

and other singers at " Gee-Haw Stables," in Harlem. That particular recording was not released until 1971. In 1934, Marcus Wright, columnist for the ''

New York Age ''The New York Age'' was a weekly newspaper established in 1887. It was widely considered one of the most prominent African-American newspapers of its time.

'' stated that she was one of Harlem's favorite entertainers. Potter performed with

Bob Hope Leslie Townes "Bob" Hope (May 29, 1903 – July 27, 2003) was a British-American comedian, vaudevillian, actor, singer and dancer. With a career that spanned nearly 80 years, Hope appeared in more than 70 short and feature films, with 5 ...

Death

Potter was admitted to the

Sydenham Hospital Sydenham Hospital was a healthcare facility in Harlem, Manhattan, New York, which operated between 1892 and 1980. It was located at 124 Street and Manhattan Avenue. History Sydenham opened in 1892, occupying nine houses on 116th Street near 2nd ...

in June 1953. After a long illness, she died August 16, 1953, in

Selected venues and collaborators

* Rainbow Palm Gardens, 427 Indiana Ave,

Indianapolis Indianapolis (), colloquially known as Indy, is the state capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Indiana and the seat of Marion County. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the consolidated population of Indianapolis and Marion ...

, 1928 * In October 1932, Potter performed at the Plaza Club in

* In January 1933, Potter was performing at the Creole Kitchen ''(aka'' Creole Club) in

, acclaimed that year by the ''

Pittsburgh Courier The ''Pittsburgh Courier'' was an African-American weekly newspaper published in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from 1907 until October 22, 1966. By the 1930s, the ''Courier'' was one of the leading black newspapers in the United States. It was acqu ...

'' as one of the "Hottest Nite Spots In The Entire Country;" Mammy Louise Brooks (1882–1960) was the manager * In October 1933, Potter, billed as a torch singer, was performing at the Paramount Inn, in Harlem, owned by Joe Rubin. The club admitted whites only. The floor show included singers Jimmy Hays and Edith King; Johnny Perchey, snakehips dancer; and a female sextet chorus. All shows were produced by Billy Maxey, who also emceed the show. Music was furnished by Sherdena Walker (1904–1982) and Her Orchestra. * Beginning January 27, 1934. for week at the Lafayette Theatre in Harlem, Potter was a featured stage celebrity in a new musical review staged by Addison Carey (1900–1952); other celebrities included Doris Rheubottom (born 1905) (vocalist), the Three Yorkers, Dewey Brown, George Wiltshire, and George Gee James. * December 1934, Potter was singing at the Poospatuck Club in Sugar Hill,

; a ''

New York Age ''The New York Age'' was a weekly newspaper established in 1887. It was widely considered one of the most prominent African-American newspapers of its time.

'' review lauded her rendition of "Love In Bloom" * In December 1935, nationally syndicated columnist Allan W McMillan (1900–1991) wrote "Someone ought to give Ollie Potter (God's gift to the blues) an opportunity on Broadway." * On February 28, 1935, the second edition of the New Harlem Revels, directed by

Rubberlegs Williams Henry "Rubberlegs" Williams (14 July 1907 in Atlanta - 17 October 1962 in New York City) was an American blues and jazz singer, dancer and occasional female impersonator. A star of Vaudeville, he is probably best remembered for his singing work wi ...

, debuted at Dickie Wells Harlem Supper Club. Potter was among the featured artists. * In June 1936, Potter resigned from Dickie Wells Hot Spot to perform at the Poospatuck Club * Potter debuted at the Elks Rendezvous in Harlem, 464

Lenox Avenue Lenox Avenue – also named Malcolm X Boulevard; both names are officially recognized – is the primary north–south route through Harlem in the upper portion of the New York City borough of Manhattan. This two-way street runs from F ...

, in February 1939, in a musical review singing "That's Why I Am In Harlem Every Night," which was well received by the audience. *

Willie "The Lion" Smith William Henry Joseph Bonaparte Bertholf Smith (November 23, 1893 – April 18, 1973), nicknamed "The Lion", was an American jazz and stride pianist. Early life William Henry Joseph Bonaparte Bertholf, known as Willie, was born in 1893 in Goshen, ...

, featuring Ollie Potter,

Suburban Gardens Suburban Gardens was the first and only major amusement park within Washington, D.C. Located at 50th and Hayes Streets, NE, in the Deanwood neighborhood near the National Training School for Women and Girls, Suburban Gardens opened in 1921 and was ...

Washington, D.C. ) , image_skyline = , image_caption = Clockwise from top left: the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall, United States Capitol, Logan Circle, Jefferson Memorial, White House, Adams Morgan, ...

1939 * Apollo Bar (at 125th Street and 7th Avenue, steps from the

Apollo Theater The Apollo Theater is a music hall at 253 West 125th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard (Seventh Avenue) and Frederick Douglass Boulevard (Eighth Avenue) in the Harlem neighborhood of Upper Manhattan in New York City. It is a not ...

), Harlem, Sunday, May 14, 1950, with Laurel Watson (born around 1913)

Extant discography

* Ollie Shepard, vocalist : Accompanied by Stafford "Pazuza" Simon (tenor sax) : (unknown pianist and drummer)

"I'm Stepping Out Tonight"
Ollie Shepard and Ollie Potter, vocalists

Matrix Matrix most commonly refers to: * ''The Matrix'' (franchise), an American media franchise ** ''The Matrix'', a 1999 science-fiction action film ** "The Matrix", a fictional setting, a virtual reality environment, within ''The Matrix'' (franchis ...
: 67084-A
"You Got Me Wondering" (©1941)
Ollie Shepard (w&m)
Ollie Potter, vocalist

Matrix Matrix most commonly refers to: * ''The Matrix'' (franchise), an American media franchise ** ''The Matrix'', a 1999 science-fiction action film ** "The Matrix", a fictional setting, a virtual reality environment, within ''The Matrix'' (franchis ...

: 67085-A : Recorded January 22, 1940,

Decca Decca may refer to: Music * Decca Records or Decca Music Group, a record label * Decca Gold, a classical music record label owned by Universal Music Group * Decca Broadway, a musical theater record label * Decca Studios, a recording facility in W ...

De 7805 *

Onyx Onyx primarily refers to the parallel banded variety of chalcedony, a silicate mineral. Agate and onyx are both varieties of layered chalcedony that differ only in the form of the bands: agate has curved bands and onyx has parallel bands. The c ...

ORI205 : Art Tatum (piano, vocalist on track 1)

Chocolate Williams Chocolate Williams (also known as Billy and Bob, ''né'' Robert Williams Jr.; February 1, 1916 – June 22, 1984) was an American jazz bassist and vocalist based in New York City. He was a prolific performer of jazz, and, notably, performed and ...

(bass) Anna Robinson (vocalist 2) Ethel White (vocalist 4)

Charlie Shavers Charles James Shavers (August 3, 1920 – July 8, 1971) was an American jazz trumpeter who played with Dizzy Gillespie, Nat King Cole, Roy Eldridge, Johnny Dodds, Jimmie Noone, Sidney Bechet, Midge Williams, Tommy Dorsey, and Billie Holiday. He ...

(vocalist 5) Ollie Potter (vocalist 6) : Recorded live "Gee-Haw Stables," New York, July 26 or 27, 1941 # "Toledo Blues" (1) # " Body and Soul" (cw out),

Heyman Heyman is the surname of: * Alan Heyman (1931–2014), South Korean musicologist and composer * Art Heyman (1941–2012), American basketball player * David Heyman, British film producer * Edward Heyman (1907–1981), American musician and lyricis ...

Sour The gustatory system or sense of taste is the sensory system that is partially responsible for the perception of taste (flavor). Taste is the perception produced or stimulated when a substance in the mouth reacts chemically with taste receptor ...

, Eyton (words);

Green Green is the color between cyan and yellow on the visible spectrum. It is evoked by light which has a dominant wavelength of roughly 495570 Nanometre, nm. In subtractive color systems, used in painting and color printing, it is created by ...

(music) # " Stardust" (3), Carmichael (music),

Parish A parish is a territorial entity in many Christian denominations, constituting a division within a diocese. A parish is under the pastoral care and clerical jurisdiction of a priest, often termed a parish priest, who might be assisted by one or m ...

(words) # "

Embraceable You "Embraceable You" is a jazz standard song with music by George Gershwin and lyrics by Ira Gershwin. The song was written in 1928 for an unpublished operetta named ''East Is West''. It was published in 1930 and included in that year's Broadway m ...

" (4),

George Gershwin George Gershwin (; born Jacob Gershwine; September 26, 1898 – July 11, 1937) was an American composer and pianist whose compositions spanned popular, jazz and classical genres. Among his best-known works are the orchestral compositions ' ...

(music),

Ira Gershwin Ira Gershwin (born Israel Gershovitz; December 6, 1896 – August 17, 1983) was an American lyricist who collaborated with his younger brother, composer George Gershwin, to create some of the most memorable songs in the English language of the 2 ...

(words) # "

I Surrender Dear "I Surrender Dear" (sometimes written as "I Surrender, Dear") is a song composed by Harry Barris with lyrics by Gordon Clifford, first performed by Gus Arnheim and His Cocoanut Grove Orchestra with Bing Crosby in 1931, which became his first s ...

" (5), Gordon Clifford &

Harry Barris Harry Barris (November 24, 1905 – December 13, 1962) was an American popular singer and songwriter. He was one of the earliest singers to use "scat singing" in recordings. Barris, one of Paul Whiteman's Rhythm Boys, along with Bing Crosby and ...

(music) # "

There'll Be Some Changes Made "There'll Be Some Changes Made" ("Changes") is a popular song by Benton Overstreet (composer) and Billy Higgins (lyricist). Published in 1921, the song has flourished in several genres, particularly jazz. The song has endured for as many years ...

" (6), William Blackstone (words) & Benton Overstreet (music
audio
* Ollie Potter

Side A: Ollie Potter and Her After Hours Orchestra
"Too Much E-E-L," by Gerald "Corky" Williams (1896–1950)

Matrix Matrix most commonly refers to: * ''The Matrix'' (franchise), an American media franchise ** ''The Matrix'', a 1999 science-fiction action film ** "The Matrix", a fictional setting, a virtual reality environment, within ''The Matrix'' (franchis ...
: H-110
: Side B: Ollie Potter and Her Buck Eye Boys
"Big Fat Dollar Bill"
Ollie Potter & Emmett Wallace (1909–2006) (w&m)

Matrix Matrix most commonly refers to: * ''The Matrix'' (franchise), an American media franchise ** ''The Matrix'', a 1999 science-fiction action film ** "The Matrix", a fictional setting, a virtual reality environment, within ''The Matrix'' (franchis ...
: H-108
Harlem Records 1020 (1945 or 1946)

: Note: Harlem Records was one of several labels founded by

J. Mayo Williams Jay Mayo "Ink" Williams (September 25, 1894 – January 2, 1980) was a pioneering African-American producer of recorded blues music. Some historians have claimed that Ink Williams earned his nickname by his ability to get the signatures of t ...

; his other labels were Ebony Records, Chicago Record Company, Southern Record Company

Published works

* "That Fat Dollar Bill" :: Ollie Potter & Emmett Babe Wallace (1909–2006) (words & music) :: (1946)

Marriages

On November 3, 1931, ''

Variety Variety may refer to: Arts and entertainment Entertainment formats * Variety (radio) * Variety show, in theater and television Films * ''Variety'' (1925 film), a German silent film directed by Ewald Andre Dupont * ''Variety'' (1935 film), ...

'' magazine published that Potter was going to marry Herman Ferdinand (1905–1989) in December 1931. Potter was, at the time, performing at the Plaza Club in

and Ferdinand (born February 1, 1881, Russia) was a Cleveland club manager.

Notes and references

General references

1936

Notes

Inline citations

Inline citations from ''New York Age''

{{DEFAULTSORT:Potter, Ollie American women jazz singers American jazz singers Singers from New York City 1900 births 1953 deaths Date of death unknown Jazz musicians from New York (state) 20th-century American singers 20th-century American women singers