Mattie Hite facts for kids
Mattie Hite was an American blues singer. She was known for her powerful voice and for singing in the "classic female blues" style. This was a popular type of blues music in the early 1900s.
Contents
Who Was Mattie Hite?
Mattie Hite was a talented American blues singer. She was born around 1890 and passed away around 1935. People sometimes spelled her name "Matie Hite." She was famous for her unique singing style.
Her Early Life and Music
We don't know much about Mattie Hite's family. Some people think she might have been related to a bandleader named Les Hite. We also don't know exactly where she was born, but some believe it was New York City.
Around 1915, Mattie moved to Chicago. There, she sang at a place called the Panama Club. She often performed with other famous singers like Alberta Hunter and Florence Mills.
In 1919, she moved back to New York City. She continued to sing in many popular nightspots and clubs. These included Barron Wilkin's Astoria Cafe and Pod's and Jerry's.
Recording Her Music
Mattie Hite also recorded her songs. In 1921, she tried recording for Victor Records, but those songs were not released. She tried again in 1923 with a famous musician named Fletcher Henderson. They recorded for the Pathé label.
She also recorded for the Bell label in 1923 and 1924. Later, in 1930, she recorded with Cliff Jackson for Columbia Records.
From 1928 to 1932, Mattie Hite performed in many shows at the Lafayette Theater in New York City. It is believed she died in New York City around 1935.
A Talented Singer
Many people admired Mattie Hite's singing. A famous musician named James P. Johnson said she was "one of the greatest cabaret singers of all time." She was especially known for her version of the song "St. James' Infirmary."
Was There Another Singer Named Nellie Hite?
There was another singer named Nellie Hite. She recorded two songs in 1923 for the Bell label. Some people wonder if Nellie Hite was actually Mattie Hite, or perhaps her sister.
