Date of Birth: April 1, 1895
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Date of Death: October 17, 1984
Biography
Alberta Hunter was an American blues singer, songwriter, and nurse, who enjoyed a long career spanning both the music and healthcare industries. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Hunter moved to Chicago at a young age to pursue her dreams of becoming a professional singer. She began performing in clubs and quickly gained a reputation for her powerful voice and emotive performances. By the 1920s, Hunter had become a significant figure in the blues and jazz scenes, performing with legends like Louis Armstrong and recording for several major labels. Her career continued to flourish through the 1930s and 1940s, but she retired from music in the 1950s to become a nurse, a profession she pursued until her mandatory retirement at age 70. In a remarkable turn of events, Hunter returned to the stage in the late 1970s and enjoyed a successful second career in music, performing internationally and recording new albums until her death in 1984. Her legacy as a pioneering female artist in the blues genre remains influential.
5 Interesting Facts about Alberta Hunter
1. Alberta Hunter was one of the first African American women to succeed in the blues genre.
2. She composed “Downhearted Blues,” which became a huge hit for Bessie Smith in 1923.
3. Hunter performed for Allied troops during World War II, entertaining soldiers with her music.
4. After retiring from music, she earned a nursing degree and worked at Goldwater Memorial Hospital in New York City.
5. She made a remarkable comeback at the age of 82, performing at the Cookery in Greenwich Village, which led to a resurgence in her career.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alberta Hunter
1. “The blues tells a story. Every line of the blues has a meaning.”
2. “I had to prove that I could make it on my own. I wasn’t going to let anyone stop me.”
3. “I never considered myself a great singer, but I had a story to tell.”
4. “Music is a part of me. It’s in my blood.”
5. “I always believed that if you want something bad enough, you’ve got to go out and get it.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Alberta Hunter is estimated to have been around $1 million at the peak of her career.
Children
Alberta Hunter did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Alberta Hunter Biography – PBS](https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/database/hunter_a.html
2. [AllMusic – Alberta Hunter](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/alberta-hunter-mn0000610642
3. [Alberta Hunter – Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alberta-Hunter
4. [Alberta Hunter – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0402986/
5. [Alberta Hunter – Discogs](https://www.discogs.com/artist/252453-Alberta-Hunter
