Saint Suttle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Saint Suttle
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Film still with Suttle (on left) and Brown from Something Good – Negro Kiss (1898)
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| Born | February 1870 |
| Died | February 4, 1932 (aged 61–62) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | composer, performer |
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Saint Suttle (born February 1870 – died February 4, 1932) was an American composer and performer. He was famous for his cakewalk dances and for performing in vaudeville shows in Chicago. Vaudeville was a popular type of entertainment with many different acts. As an African American artist, Suttle was a pioneer in early movies from the late 1800s.
About Saint Suttle
Early Film Work
Saint Suttle appeared in the short film Something Good – Negro Kiss (1898). In this film, he holds hands and kisses Gertie Brown. The movie was made by William Selig. It is the earliest known film showing a kiss between Black people.
This film was important because it showed Black people in a positive way. At that time, many movies showed harmful stereotypes. Something Good – Negro Kiss helped to challenge these ideas.
In 2022, the film was part of a special show. This show was called Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898 - 1971. It was held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. The exhibition aimed to highlight the important work of Black artists and filmmakers. It showed how they helped shape the American film industry from its very beginning.
Music and Dance
Saint Suttle and Gertie Brown also appeared on sheet music. They are pictured on the 1898 sheet music for William H. Krell's song "Shake Yo' Duster."
Suttle, Brown, John Brewster, and Maud Brewster formed a group. They were called "The Rag-Time Four." This group helped make a new version of the cakewalk dance very popular. The cakewalk was a lively dance that started in the late 1800s.
In 1901, one of Suttle's touring cakewalk shows was called Coontown 400. He also worked on plans to build a theater, but these plans did not happen.
Musical Compositions
Saint Suttle also wrote music. Here are some of his published songs:
- "Old Jasper's Cake Walk"
- "That Creole Gal of Mine"
- "She's Ready Money"
