Butterbeans and Susie facts for kids
Butterbeans and Susie was a famous American comedy team. It included Jodie Edwards (born July 19, 1893, died October 28, 1967) and Susie Edwards (born December 1894, died December 5, 1963). They got married in 1917. They performed together for many years, all the way until the early 1960s. Their show was very popular. It featured funny arguments between them, lively dances, and singing. They first became famous on a tour called the Theatre Owners Booking Association (TOBA). Later, they performed in vaudeville, which was a type of live stage show with many different acts. They also performed for a time with a group called The Rabbit's Foot Company.
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Who Were Butterbeans and Susie?
Starting Their Show Business Career
Jodie Edwards began his career in 1910. He was a singer and a dancer. Susie Hawthorne performed in African-American theater shows. They met in 1916. Susie was part of the dance group in a show called Smart Set. They got married on stage the very next year.
The couple soon started performing as a comedy team. They were touring with the TOBA, which was a big tour for African-American performers. There was another husband-and-wife comedy team on the tour named Stringbeans and Sweetie May. When Stringbeans (Butler May) passed away in 1917, a TOBA promoter asked Jodie to use the stage name Butterbeans. He also asked Jodie and Susie to take over Stringbeans and Sweetie May's act. That's how Butterbeans and Susie first appeared on stage shortly after.
Their Famous Comedy Act
Butterbeans and Susie's act often highlighted their different personalities. A typical show would include a song they sang together. Susie would also sing a blues song by herself. They would perform a lively dance called a cakewalk. And they always had a funny sketch, which was like a short, humorous play. They would often have playful arguments during their act. Their humor was usually about marriage or sometimes about everyday life for Black Americans.
Making Records
Butterbeans and Susie recorded many blues songs. These songs often included funny conversations between them. They made these recordings for Okeh Records between 1924 and 1930. In 1960, they released an album on King Records' Festival label.
Their Lasting Impact
Helping Other Performers
Butterbeans and Susie used their fame to help younger Black comedians. For example, they saw a comedian named Moms Mabley performing in Dallas. They helped her get shows at bigger and better venues. Even after they stopped performing full-time, they stayed friends with many Black entertainers. They would even let comedians who were having a tough time stay in their Chicago home. The famous performer Stepin Fetchit stayed with them at one point in the 1950s or 1960s.
The End of an Era
Susie Edwards passed away on December 5, 1963. Jodie "Butterbeans" Edwards died on October 28, 1967. He passed away at the Dorchester Inn, which was outside of Chicago, Illinois.
See also
In Spanish: Butterbeans & Susie para niños
