Buck Washington facts for kids

Ford Lee "Buck" Washington (born October 16, 1903 – died January 31, 1955) was a talented American performer. He was a great pianist and singer. Buck was famous as one half of the amazing duo called Buck and Bubbles. He performed with his partner, John W. Bubbles, for 40 years. Together, they made history as the first black artists to appear on television.

Buck's Early Life and Career

Buck Washington was born in Louisville, Kentucky. He started working with John W. Sublett, who was known as Bubbles, when Buck was still a teenager. They formed a popular act called "Buck and Bubbles." Bubbles was an amazing tap dancer. Buck sang and played a lively style of piano called stride piano.

Moving to New York City

Their act became very popular. In September 1919, Buck and Bubbles moved to New York City. By the late 1920s, they were performing on Broadway, which is famous for its big theater shows. They performed at well-known places like the Columbia Theater and the Palace. They even shared the stage with famous entertainers like Eddie Cantor and Al Jolson.

Making History on Stage and Screen

Buck and Bubbles were part of the Ziegfeld Follies of 1931, a very famous show. They also became the first black artists to perform at the Radio City Music Hall in New York. In the 1930s, they traveled and performed all over Europe.

They also appeared in movies and on television. Some of their films include Calling All Stars (1937) and Cabin in the Sky (1942).

First Black Artists on Television

Buck and Bubbles made history on November 2, 1936. They performed live for the BBC in London. This was part of the world's first scheduled "high definition" television program. This made them the first black artists to ever appear on television anywhere in the world!

Buck's Musical Talents

Buck Washington was also a talented jazz pianist. He played with famous jazz musicians. These included Louis Armstrong in 1930, Bessie Smith in 1933, and Coleman Hawkins in 1934. Buck also played the trumpet, but he mostly made recordings of himself playing it at home.

He continued to perform with Bubbles until 1953. After that, he worked with other artists like Timmie Rogers and Jonah Jones in 1953 and 1954. Buck Washington passed away in 1955 in New York City.

Buck's Family Life

On August 23, 1927, Buck Washington married Flash Amber Vincson in Chicago. Flash Amber Vincson was born in 1902 and passed away in 1975. Her younger sister, Bobbie Vincent, was also a singer and dancer. Bobbie performed in a show called Chocolate Kiddies during its first European tour in 1925.