Ethel Waters

Date of Birth: October 31, 1896

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: September 1, 1977

Biography

Ethel Waters was an iconic American blues, jazz, and gospel singer and actress. Born into poverty, Ethel rose to prominence in the 1920s and 1930s with a string of hits that showcased her unique vocal talent and emotional depth. Over her career, she became one of the highest-paid performers of her time, breaking racial barriers in the entertainment industry. Ethel’s influence extended beyond music to film and television, where she earned critical acclaim for her performances. She was the second African American woman to be nominated for an Academy Award and the first to star in her own television show. Her life story is a testament to resilience, talent, and the power of breaking through societal limitations.

5 Interesting Facts about Ethel Waters

1. Ethel Waters was the first African American woman to star in her own television show, “The Ethel Waters Show,” in 1939.

2. She was a pioneer in the music industry, becoming the first African American woman to be nominated for an Emmy Award.

3. Ethel was a versatile performer, excelling in blues, jazz, and gospel music, and was one of the first artists to successfully transition from vaudeville to mainstream entertainment.

4. Her autobiography, “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” became a bestseller and was later adapted into a stage play.

5. Ethel Waters broke racial barriers on Broadway, becoming one of the first African American women to appear in a leading role in a mainstream Broadway production.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ethel Waters

1. “We are all gifted. That is our inheritance.”

2. “I never was a child. I never was cuddled, or liked, or understood by my family.”

3. “There is nothing like singing a song that is meaningful to you.”

4. “I am somebody’s child — I’m God’s child.”

5. “I don’t have to be what you want me to be. I’m free to be what I want.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of her career, Ethel Waters’ net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a significant amount for an African American entertainer during her era.