Description
TitleAlberta Hunter oral history interview
IntervieweeHunter, Alberta
InterviewerAlbertson, Chris
Date Created1976-12-17, 1976-12-23
Genreinterviews
Genreoral histories
Note(s)Alberta Hunter (1895-1984) was an African-American singer who made contributions to the genres of jazz, blues, and pop music, transitioning among the genres over the course of a career spanning decades. She began her career at the age of 12 in Chicago, singing in the bawdy houses there. She was married briefly but her longest relationship was with Lottie Taylor, niece of entertainer Bertie Williams. She moved from Chicago to New York and began recording under her name as well as under several pseudonyms, such as Alberta Prime and Josephine Beatty. She also used the name May Alix, the name of a fellow singer of the time. In 1923, she became the first African-American singer to be backed up by a white band, recording songs with the Original Memphis Five. She left the U.S to tour in Europe in 1927 and joined the USO in World War II, entertaining troops in Asia, the South Pacific, and Europe. She returned to the U.S. after the war to care for her ailing mother. After her mother's death in 1956, she left the music business to become a nurse.. She returned briefly to singing in 1961 to record an album with friends. Alberta retook the spotlight in 1977 at the age of 81, touring and producing four albums before her death in 1984.
Table of ContentsPage numbers here indicate page numbers for "Read Online" interface. Page numbers listed on transcripts may differ.
Tape 1...pp. 2-37
Tape 2...pp. 37-69
Tape 3...pp. 70-109
Tape 4...pp. 109-149
Tape 5...pp. 149-184
Tape 6...pp. 185-217
Tape 7...pp. 217-260
CollectionJazz Oral History Project
Organization NameRutgers University. Institute of Jazz Studies, Rutgers University. Institute of Jazz Studies
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PlaceWashington, D.C.
