A. C. Bilbrew facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
A. C. Bilbrew
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A. C. Bilbrew from a 1919 publication.
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| Born | March 12, 1891 Washington, Arkansas, U.S.
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| Died | June 4, 1972 (aged 81) |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Madame Bilbrew, A. C. Harris Bilbrew, Aycee Bilbrew, Alice Caldonia Harris |
| Occupation | radio host, composer, choir director |
| Known for | "The Bronze Hour" radio program (1940s) |
| Spouse(s) | Ralph Bilbrew |
| Relatives | Kitty White (daughter) |
A. C. Harris Bilbrew (born March 12, 1891 – died June 4, 1972) was an amazing American artist. She was a poet, musician, composer, and playwright. People also knew her as a radio host and community leader. Many called her Madame A. C. Bilbrew.
She lived in South Los Angeles. In 1923, she made history. She became the first Black singer to perform on a Los Angeles radio show. Later, she hosted the city's first radio music show for African Americans. It was called The Gold Hour in the early 1940s. A library branch in Willowbrook is named after her. It's called the A. C. Bilbrew branch of the LA County Library.
Contents
Early Life and Education
A. C. Harris grew up in Tyler, Texas. Her father was Rev. H. S. Harris. Her initials, "A. C.," were actually her first name. Her mother named her after two nuns she admired. A. C. Bilbrew went to Texas College in Tyler. She also studied music at the University of Southern California.
A Creative Career
A. C. Bilbrew was very active in the arts. She helped the African-American community in South Los Angeles. She played the organ at church. She also created and directed plays and pageants. She performed dramatic readings and led musical groups.
In 1923, she became a pioneer. She was the first Black soloist to sing on a Los Angeles radio program. In the 1930s, she performed "pianologues." These were musical stories she told while playing the piano. She also led a musical group of six performers.
Radio Star
From 1940 to 1942, she hosted The Gold Hour. This was Los Angeles's first radio music show for African Americans. It aired on KGFJ. She also produced and announced The Bronze Hour with Gilbert W. Lindsay. Important guests appeared on her shows. In 1942, California Governor Culbert Olson was one of them.
Madame Bilbrew also toured the eastern United States in the 1940s. She was a popular speaker. She often spoke to church groups and women's clubs. People in the community knew her as "Madame Bilbrew."
Poet and Songwriter
Bilbrew wrote many poems and songs. Some of her wartime poems include "The Black Boys in Khaki" (1919). Her songs include "Black Boys of Uncle Sam" (1918) and "Let's Go, Americans" (1942). She also wrote "This is Freedom Day." This song became an anthem for National Freedom Day.
In 1955, she wrote a powerful song. It was called "The Death of Emmett Till." Scatman Crothers and the Ramparts performed it. It was released as a single record. A part of the money earned from the song went to the NAACP. This organization works for civil rights. Bilbrew believed the song would "live on and serve a purpose." One of her last songs was a peace anthem. It was called "Let's Lay the Weapons Down and Join Hands" (1969).
In the Movies
A. C. Bilbrew also worked in films. She was the music director for a choir in the movie Hearts in Dixie (1929). The choir sang spirituals as cotton pickers. This movie was one of the first "talking pictures" with an all-Black cast. In 1947, she acted in the film The Foxes of Harrow. She played the character "Tante Caleen."
Community and Politics
Bilbrew was involved in politics and community work. In 1952, she helped Kenneth Hahn campaign. He was running for Los Angeles County supervisor. In 1958, she became the director of a new Republican office in South Los Angeles. Kenneth Hahn later praised her. He called her the "first Negro woman to sing on radio in Los Angeles." He said she helped young people get into music, stage, radio, and television.
In 1960, she traveled to Copenhagen. She attended the International Women's Day Jubilee. She was part of a 22-member group from the United States. By 1962, she was on the advisory board for the Independent Voters League of California. In 1963, she started the Opportunity Workshop. This program offered arts, education, and empowerment to the community in South Los Angeles.
Family and Legacy
A. C. Harris married Ralph Bilbrew. He was also a performer. They had three daughters: Roberta, Kitty Jean, and Maudie Jeannette. All three daughters became musicians. Kitty Bilbrew later became a famous jazz singer. Her stage name was Kitty White (1923-2009). A. C. Bilbrew passed away in 1972. She was 84 years old.
The A. C. Bilbrew branch of the LA County Library was named in her honor in 1974. It is located in Willowbrook. A Black architect named Vincent J. Proby designed the building. This library branch is special because it has an African American Resource Center.
Images for kids
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A. C. Bilbrew from a 1919 publication.
