Ethel Finnie facts for kids

Ethel V. Finnie (born January 7, 1898 – died May 1, 1981) was an American blues singer. She was known for her powerful voice and for singing a style of music called classic female blues. One of her most famous songs was "You're Gonna Wake Up Some Morning, but Your Papa Will Be Gone".

Life Story of Ethel Finnie

Ethel Finnie was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was the second child of Noble Armond Finnie, who worked as a butler, and Mary "Mamie" Anderson Finnie, a housewife. Ethel had an older brother named Noble Finnie, Jr.

Ethel went to New Orleans University. This university later became part of Dillard University. After finishing school, she worked as a teacher at McDonogh School No. 6.

Family and New Adventures

On September 25, 1923, Ethel married Porter Grainger. He was a talented pianist and composer. They got married in Stamford, Connecticut. Ethel and Porter performed together in many places. They sang on radio shows and appeared at different venues in the northeastern United States. Newspapers for African-American communities often wrote about their performances.

After their daughter, Portia Lee Grainger, was born, Ethel spent more time in New Orleans. She wanted to be close to her family. Ethel and Porter later divorced.

Ethel then married William Turner. She started new businesses in New Orleans. She worked as a hairdresser and later owned a beauty shop, a restaurant, and a grocery store. Ethel was also very involved in her community. She was part of a sorority called Iota Phi Lambda. A sorority is a club for women, often focused on community service. In the 1950s, she was a leader for the southwestern region of this group. In the 1960s, she was the treasurer for the Fourth Region of the National Council of Negro Women. This group works to improve the lives of Black women and their families.

Ethel Finnie passed away in New Orleans on May 1, 1981, when she was 83 years old.

Ethel Finnie's Music Career

Ethel Finnie had a short but important music career. Some of her songs were produced by Joe Davis. Her first husband, Porter Grainger, also wrote some of her music.

Recording Her Songs

Ethel recorded eight songs in 1923 and 1924. One of her most well-known recordings was "You're Gonna Wake Up Some Morning, but Your Papa Will Be Gone". This song was released by Edison in 1924. It was part of their Edison Diamond Disc series. It was also released on Edison's Amberol cylinder, which was an early type of music recording.

During this time, she also recorded for other record companies like Ajax and Emerson. Another song she recorded was "Mistreatin' Daddy Blues". This song was not released at first. This might have stopped more people from hearing her music. Other blues singers, like Gladys Bryant, Dolly Ross, and Ada Brown, also sang songs written by Porter Grainger.

All of Ethel Finnie's recorded songs were later released by Document Records.

See also

• List of classic female blues singers