Bernice Edwards facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bernice Edwards
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| Background information | |
| Also known as | Moanin' Bernice Edwards Moanin' Bernice Houston Bernice Edwards Bernice Duke |
| Born | c. 1907 Katy, Texas, United States |
| Died | February 26, 1969 Houston, Texas, United States |
| Genres | Classic female blues |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, pianist |
| Instruments | Piano, vocals |
| Years active | 1926–1935 |
| Labels | Paramount, Broadway, Vocalion |
Bernice Edwards was an American blues singer, pianist, and songwriter. She was born around 1907 and passed away in 1969. She recorded 21 songs between 1926 and 1935. What's cool is that she wrote some of her own songs, which was not common for women blues singers back then! We don't know much about her life outside of her music.
Contents
Bernice Edwards: Her Musical Journey
Early Life and Musical Start
Bernice Edwards was likely born in Katy, Texas, and grew up in Houston. Even though she wasn't directly related to them, she grew up with a very musical family. This family included famous musicians like Beulah Belle, George, Hociel, and Hersal Thomas. Being around them helped Bernice learn how to play the piano.
Moving to Chicago and First Recordings
In 1923, Bernice moved to Chicago, Illinois, with George and Hersal Thomas. Five years later, in 1928, she went into the recording studio. She recorded twelve songs for Paramount Records in two different sessions. One of her songs was called "Moaning Blues." This song might be why people sometimes called her "Moanin' Bernice (Edwards)."
Bernice sang her slow blues songs while playing the piano herself. She also recorded her own version of "Long Tall Mama." Many of her songs talked about tough times and "mean men." Examples include "Mean Man Blues" and "Hard Hustling Blues." Some of her first recordings were released under the name Bernice Duke.
Later Recordings and Life
In 1935, Bernice Edwards went back to the recording studio. This time, she was in Fort Worth, Texas, recording for American Record Corporation. She played piano duets with another musician named Black Boy Shine. One of their songs was called "Hot Mattress Stomp." A guitarist named J. T. "Funny Papa" Smith also played on this recording. Bernice's piano playing had gotten even better since her first recordings!
After these recordings in Fort Worth, Bernice Edwards reportedly got married and joined a church. Not much more is known about her life after that.
Researchers Bob Eagle and Eric LeBlanc believe she passed away in Hermann Hospital in Houston in 1969. She was about 62 years old.
You can find her music on different collection albums that feature many artists.
See also
- List of classic female blues singers
