On the Record: Sissieretta Jones and Black Feminist Recording Praxes

In this article, I examine how Sissieretta Jones (frequently described as America’s first Black superstar, among other superlatives) strategically leveraged her European performance reviews in order to increase listenership and wages the United States. toured Europe for (and only) time from February until November 1895. According clippings that she provided African American newspapers, singer performed at renowned Winter Garden Berlin three months. also claimed Wilhelm II, last German Emperor King of Prussia, his palace was subsequently presented with an elaborate diamond brooch performance. Afterward, told newspaper Indianapolis Freeman would like live permanently. Her biographers frequently cite success trip its symbolic importance Americans. And yet, evidence these events archives major newspapers is elusive contradictory best, if it exists all. Nevertheless, after much-hyped tour, career take many twists turns. eventually venues Carnegie Hall Madison Square Garden. She highest-paid female performer nineteenth century a role model future generations performers.