# Ethel Waters

> American blues, jazz and gospel vocalist and actress (1896-1977)

**Wikidata**: [Q242725](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q242725)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethel_Waters)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ethel-waters

## Summary
Ethel Waters was an American blues, jazz, and gospel vocalist and actress (1896–1977). She is best known for her powerful singing voice and groundbreaking performances in live theater and film, becoming one of the first Black performers to achieve mainstream success in both genres.

## Biography
- Born: 1896 (exact location not specified)
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Not specified
- Known for: Pioneering Black performers in jazz, blues, and gospel music, and her influential stage and film career
- Employer(s): Jubilee Records (associated with)
- Field(s): Music, acting

## Contributions
- Performed in jazz, blues, and gospel music, contributing to the early development of these genres.
- Appeared in films and stage productions, breaking barriers for Black performers in entertainment.
- Inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, recognizing her impact on gospel music.

## FAQs
- **What genres did Ethel Waters perform in?**
  Ethel Waters performed in jazz, blues, and gospel music, shaping early Black musical expression in these genres.

- **Where did Ethel Waters work?**
  She was associated with Jubilee Records, a defunct American record label.

- **What awards did Ethel Waters receive?**
  She was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, honoring her contributions to gospel music.

## Why They Matter
Ethel Waters was a trailblazer for Black performers in music and acting, paving the way for future generations of artists. Her work in jazz, blues, and gospel music helped define early Black musical expression, while her stage and film performances challenged racial barriers in entertainment. Without her influence, the representation of Black voices in these fields would have been significantly limited.

## Notable For
- One of the first Black performers to achieve mainstream success in jazz, blues, and gospel music.
- Inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame for her contributions to gospel music.
- Associated with Jubilee Records, a notable early Black-owned record label.

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Ethel Waters was born in 1896 and began her career in music and acting in the early 20th century. She quickly gained recognition for her powerful voice and stage presence, performing in jazz, blues, and gospel venues.

### Breakthrough in Music and Acting
Waters became one of the first Black performers to achieve widespread success in jazz, blues, and gospel music. She also transitioned into acting, appearing in both stage productions and films, where she broke racial barriers and became a prominent figure in entertainment.

### Association with Jubilee Records
She was linked to Jubilee Records, an early Black-owned record label that played a key role in preserving and promoting Black musical expression.

### Legacy and Influence
Ethel Waters' work had a lasting impact on music and acting, influencing generations of Black performers. Her induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame underscores her significance in gospel music, while her contributions to jazz and blues helped shape early Black musical genres. Her legacy continues to inspire artists in both fields.

## References

1. Biographical Dictionary of Afro-American and African Musicians
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Notable Black American Women
5. BlackPast.org
6. MusicBrainz
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. CiNii Research
9. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
10. SNAC
11. Internet Broadway Database
12. Find a Grave
13. FemBio database
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. BBC Things
16. The Movie Database