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Ethel Waters

101quotes

Ethel Waters: A Life of Resilience and Talent


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Full Name and Common Aliases

Ethel Waters was born as Ethel Maureen Wiggins on October 31, 1896, in Chester, Pennsylvania. She is often referred to by her stage name, Ethel Waters.

Birth and Death Dates

Born: October 31, 1896
 Died: September 1, 1977 (aged 80)

Nationality and Profession(s)

Ethel Waters was an American singer, actress, and dancer of African-American descent. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest entertainers of her time.

Early Life and Background

Growing up in a poor family in West Philadelphia, Ethel's early life was marked by hardship and struggle. Her mother, Louise, worked as a domestic worker to provide for their large family, while her father, Winfield Wiggins, abandoned them when Ethel was just four years old. Despite these challenges, Ethel found solace in music and dance from an early age. She began performing on street corners and at local talent shows, eventually landing a spot in the Orpheum Theater's vaudeville show.

Major Accomplishments

Ethel Waters' long and illustrious career spanned over four decades. Some of her most notable achievements include:

Becoming one of the first African-American women to achieve widespread success as a singer and actress
 Breaking down racial barriers in the entertainment industry, paving the way for future generations of black performers
Starring in numerous Broadway productions, including "Rhapsody in Black" (1929) and "Mamba's Daughter" (1940)
 Recording over 300 songs, including the hit single "Dinah" (1925)

Notable Works or Actions

Some of Ethel Waters' most notable works include:

Her debut album, "Ethel Waters" (1919), which showcased her powerful and expressive voice
 The Broadway musical "Rhapsody in Black," which premiered in 1929 and marked a significant milestone in the integration of black performers on stage
* Her starring role in the film "Hallelujah" (1929), directed by King Vidor, which was one of the first major Hollywood productions to feature an all-black cast

Impact and Legacy

Ethel Waters' impact on popular culture extends far beyond her own performances. She played a crucial role in breaking down racial barriers in the entertainment industry, paving the way for future generations of black performers. Her legacy can be seen in the countless artists who have followed in her footsteps, including Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Aretha Franklin.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Ethel Waters is widely quoted and remembered for her trailblazing spirit, her incredible talent, and her commitment to social justice. Her story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. As one of the greatest entertainers of her time, Ethel Waters continues to inspire new generations of artists, activists, and audiences around the world.

Her words, "You can't hold a man down without staying down with him," capture the essence of her unshakeable optimism and resilience in the face of racism and adversity. This quote has become an enduring symbol of her unwavering commitment to fighting for equality and justice, both on and off stage.

Quotes by Ethel Waters

I never was a child.
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I never was a child.
EW
My aunts lived on liquor and seldom felt like eating much. I don’t know what’s wrong about a kid stealing when he’s hungry.
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My aunts lived on liquor and seldom felt like eating much. I don’t know what’s wrong about a kid stealing when he’s hungry.
EW
The white audiences thought I was white, my features being what they are, and at every performance I’d have to take off my gloves to prove I was a spade.
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The white audiences thought I was white, my features being what they are, and at every performance I’d have to take off my gloves to prove I was a spade.
EW
I wondered what I would do if I didn’t have my God to turn to and be able to read the Book He had divinely inspired.
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I wondered what I would do if I didn’t have my God to turn to and be able to read the Book He had divinely inspired.
EW
After years in white theaters I dreaded working in colored houses. The noise, the stomping, whistling, and cheering that hadn’t annoyed me when I was young was now something I dreaded.
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After years in white theaters I dreaded working in colored houses. The noise, the stomping, whistling, and cheering that hadn’t annoyed me when I was young was now something I dreaded.
EW
I want affection and tenderness desperately, but there’s something in me that prevents me from handing it out.
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I want affection and tenderness desperately, but there’s something in me that prevents me from handing it out.
EW
I had always loved John Ford’s pictures. And I came to love him, too, but I was frightened to death working for him. He used the shock treatment while directing me.
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I had always loved John Ford’s pictures. And I came to love him, too, but I was frightened to death working for him. He used the shock treatment while directing me.
EW
There’s no hypocrisy in Hell’s Kitchen.
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There’s no hypocrisy in Hell’s Kitchen.
EW
When you dominate other people’s emotions, the time has to come when you will have to pay, and heavily, for that privilege.
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When you dominate other people’s emotions, the time has to come when you will have to pay, and heavily, for that privilege.
EW
The big compliment came from the beer drinkers who didn’t know me. They wouldn’t drink or move when I sang. If they had their glasses in mid-air, the glasses wouldn’t come down.
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The big compliment came from the beer drinkers who didn’t know me. They wouldn’t drink or move when I sang. If they had their glasses in mid-air, the glasses wouldn’t come down.
EW
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