Eloise C. Uggams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eloise C. Uggams
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Eloise C. Uggams, from a 1918 publication
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| Born | December 20, 1896 Florida or South Carolina, US
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| Died | July 14, 1972 New York, US
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| Occupation | Singer |
| Known for | Member of Fisk Jubilee Singers, Broadway appearances |
| Relatives | Leslie Uggams (niece) |
Eloise Colcolough Uggams (born December 20, 1896 – died July 14, 1972) was an amazing American singer. She was known for her beautiful soprano voice. Eloise was part of the famous Fisk Jubilee Singers and also starred in many shows on Broadway, which is a big theater district in New York City.
Her Early Life
Eloise Uggams was born in either Florida or South Carolina. Her parents were Coyden Harold Uggams and Mamie Hughes Uggams. Her father was a minister in the Presbyterian church.
Eloise went to Fisk University, a well-known school. She performed her final concert there in 1919.
Her Singing Career
Eloise Uggams sang and toured with the Fisk Jubilee Quartet. She performed with Henrietta Myers in 1918 and 1919.
She also appeared in many Broadway musicals. Some of these shows included Blackbirds of 1928 (which ran from 1928 to 1929 and again in 1934). She was also in Rhapsody in Black (1931) and The Pirate (1942-1943). Other shows were Run, Little Chillun (1943) and Porgy and Bess (in 1943, 1944, and 1953).
Eloise also toured Europe with the Porgy and Bess company. She performed alongside famous artists like Leontyne Price, William Warfield, Cab Calloway, and a young Maya Angelou.
She made recordings of spiritual songs with the Elkins-Payne Jubilee Singers in 1924. Later, in 1953, she recorded with the Everyman Opera of New York.
Other Work and Tours
Besides singing, Eloise Uggams was also a talented dressmaker. She even worked for the famous designer Oleg Cassini. She helped create the wedding dress for actress Gene Tierney in 1941.
During World War II, Eloise toured the United States. She performed for soldiers with the USO. After the war, she toured as a solo singer with the Eva Jessye Choir.
Her Family Life
Eloise Uggams played an important role in her niece's life. Her niece, Leslie Uggams, also became a famous actress and singer. Eloise helped Leslie attend the Professional Children's School in New York.
Leslie Uggams later said, "We never would have been able to afford the school if it weren’t for Aunt Eloise."
Eloise Uggams passed away in New York in 1972. She was 75 years old.
