Black American performer, singer, dancer, choreographer, and actor who later became a theatrical producer and a "well-known theatrical figure" (per his 1963 obituary). He was a prominent figure in the early career of songstress Ethel Waters (there were also rumors they were married, but this appears to be false).
The year of 1894 given on other sources likely came from his World War I draft registration card (signed 05 June 1917). However, it also gives his age as 21, coming before his birthday that year, which would support 1895 as would the majority of other sources found.
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