Pauline Braddy facts for kids

Pauline Braddy Williams (born February 14, 1922 – died January 28, 1996) was an amazing American jazz drummer. She was famous for playing with the International Sweethearts of Rhythm. This was a special swing band because it was made up of only women and included musicians of different races. Pauline, who was African-American, played with them from 1939 to 1955. People often called her the "Queen of the Drums" because she was so good!

Her Life and Music

Early Days and Discovering Drums

Pauline Braddy was born in Mendenhall, Mississippi. She went to a school called the Piney Woods Country Life School.

At school, Pauline first played the clarinet. She said she started playing drums "by accident." One time, the school band was going to play in Memphis. Their drummer couldn't go, and Pauline was chosen to play the drums. She had a great sense of rhythm, which made her perfect for the job!

Joining the Sweethearts of Rhythm

In 1939, Pauline joined the International Sweethearts of Rhythm. This was a very special band. It was made up of only women, and it included musicians from different backgrounds. Pauline was not just the drummer; she also sang with the group.

In 1944, soldiers in Hawaii gave her the nickname "Wallet Gal." This shows how popular she was!

Touring and Famous Drumming

Pauline and the International Sweethearts of Rhythm went on a big tour in Europe in 1945. This was a USO tour, which means they played for American soldiers. She stayed with the band until 1955.

During their performances, Pauline's drumming was a real highlight. People would cheer loudly for her amazing drum solos. Her drumming was so powerful that one newspaper, The Tampa Bay Times, called it "sensational." Another writer said the band was "powered by Pauline Braddy's drumming." Because of her incredible talent, she was known as the "Queen of the Drums."

Life After the Sweethearts

After the International Sweethearts of Rhythm broke up, Pauline moved to New York. She continued to play drums for other groups. Some of these included the Vi Burnside All-Stars, the Edna Smith Trio, and Two Plus One.

In the 1960s, Pauline moved back to Washington to take care of her mother. She then worked for about twenty years as a switchboard operator. She retired from this job in 1994.

Pauline loved to share the history of the International Sweethearts of Rhythm. She helped a writer named Antoinette D. Hardy with her book about the band. After retiring, Pauline moved to Braxton, Mississippi. She passed away at her home on January 28, 1996.