Sara Martin facts for kids
Sara Martin (born June 18, 1884 – died May 24, 1955) was a famous American blues singer. During her time, she was one of the most popular classic blues singers. People called her "The Famous Moanin' Mama." She was also known as "The Colored Sophie Tucker". Sara made many recordings. She sometimes used the names Margaret Johnson and Sally Roberts.
About Sara Martin
Sara Martin was born Sara Dunn in Louisville, Kentucky. She started singing on the African-American vaudeville circuit around 1915. Vaudeville was a popular type of entertainment. It included singers, dancers, and comedians.
Her Music Career
Sara began recording music in 1922. She signed with Okeh Records. Throughout the 1920s, she toured and recorded. She worked with famous musicians like Fats Waller, Clarence Williams, King Oliver, and Sylvester Weaver. She recorded more songs than almost any other classic blues singer.
She might have been the first to record the famous blues song "'T'aint Nobody's Bus'ness if I Do". She recorded it with Fats Waller on piano in 1922.
Her Stage Style
On stage, Sara Martin was known for her exciting performances. She also wore amazing costumes. She would change her outfits two or three times during each show.
Some music experts have shared their thoughts on her singing. Derrick Stewart-Baxter said she was not always a great blues singer. But he noted that when she was good, she was "quite pleasing." He liked her song "Brother Ben." He also recommended her songs with King Oliver, especially "Death Sting Me Blues."
Daphne Duval Harrison, another blues historian, said Sara used more dance-like rhythms. She also said that when Sara sang traditional blues, her voice was richer and deeper. This matched the feeling of the songs. Harrison thought "Mean Tight Mama" and "Death Sting Me" were excellent examples of her blues singing.
Later Life and Work
In the late 1920s, Sara Martin performed in New York, Detroit, and Pittsburgh. She also traveled to Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. She appeared in one movie called Hello Bill in 1929. She acted alongside Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. Her last big stage show was Darktown Scandals Review in 1930.
In 1932, she sang gospel music with Thomas A. Dorsey. After that, she stopped working in the music industry. She started running a nursing home in Louisville.
Sara Martin passed away in Louisville in May 1955. She died from a stroke.
