Edna Alexander (composer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Edna Alexander
Edna Alexander in 1911
Born	(1892-03-19)March 19, 1892 Ottumwa, Iowa
Died	1972 (aged 79–80)
Other names	Alex Belledna

Edna Belle Alexander (1892–1972) was a talented American singer and music composer. She was known for her beautiful soprano voice. Besides singing, Edna also wrote many songs. She often used the name Alex Belledna when she published her music.

Edna Alexander's Early Life

Edna Alexander was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, on March 19, 1892. Her parents were Mary Ann and Price Alexander. Edna grew up with eight brothers and sisters. One of her brothers, Archie Alexander, later became the governor of the Virgin Islands!

Edna went to North Des Moines High School and finished in 1911. While living in Des Moines, Iowa, she loved to sing. She was part of a group called the Des Moines Negro Lyceum. She also performed at many local events.

Music Career and Collaborations

In 1917, Edna Alexander married Maceo Pinkard, who was also a musician and songwriter. They often worked on music together. Edna used her special songwriting name, "Alex Belledna," for these projects.

One famous song she composed was "It's Right Here for You (If You Don't Get It—Tain't No Fault of Mine)." This song was part of the 1920 record Crazy Blues. It was sung by the famous artist Mamie Smith. It was special because Edna co-wrote the song with another black woman, Marion Dickerson. This was quite rare for that time!

Broadway Show Pansy

Edna and her husband Maceo also worked on a musical show called Pansy in 1929. The show opened on Broadway in New York City. Even though a song performed by the legendary Bessie Smith was well-liked, the show didn't do very well. It only ran for three performances before closing.

Edna and Maceo also owned their own music publishing company. This meant they could help other musicians share their songs with the world.

Edna's Musical Legacy

Edna Alexander passed away in 1972. Her music continued to be celebrated long after. Some of her songs were featured in popular musical shows. These included One Mo' Time, which ran from 1979 to 1987. Her music also appeared in the 2002 show Blues in the Night. This shows how important her contributions to music were!

Songs by Edna Alexander

Here are some of the songs Edna Alexander helped create:

• "Sugar: That Sugar Baby O'Mine" (1926) – She co-wrote this song. It became a big hit when Ethel Waters recorded it.
• "Granny" (1919) – Edna composed this song, and many artists recorded it.
• "It's Right Here for You" (1920) – She composed this one. It was first performed in vaudeville by Sophie Tucker and recorded by Mamie Smith.
• "Tain't Nothing But Jazz" (1921) – She co-wrote this with Maceo Pinkard and William Tracey.
• "Make Those Naughty Eyes Behave" (1925)
• "Does My Sweetie Do—And How" (1925) – Co-written with Sidney Holden and Maceo Pinkard.
• "Kitchen Man" (1929) – She co-wrote this with Andy Razaf. Bessie Smith recorded it.
• "Squealin' Pig Blues"