Wallace King facts for kids

Wallace King was an African American performer from the 1800s. He was famous for his singing in minstrel shows. He performed with groups like Callender's Georgia Minstrels. By 1882, he was one of the most popular and highest-paid performers, second only to Billy Kersands. King was known as a "Sweet Singing Tenor" because of his powerful voice. People loved his emotional and romantic ballads.

Early Life and Minstrel Shows

Wallace King was a talented singer who became famous during the 19th century. Minstrel shows were a popular form of entertainment at the time. They featured music, comedy, and dancing. Performers often traveled around to different towns and cities.

Touring England

In 1881, Wallace King traveled to London, England, with a group called Haverly’s Coloured Minstrels. People described him as "a gentleman with a very dark complexion and a long black beard." The audience in England really enjoyed the heartfelt songs he sang with his strong tenor voice. This group toured all over Britain. After their tour, they returned to America in 1882.

King came back to Britain in April 1884. This time, he was part of a new group. It was a mix of performers from Haverly’s company and another group called Callender’s Coloured Minstrels. This new company toured Britain until August 1885. Wallace King was so well-known that a successful racehorse was even named after him!

Fame Around the World

Interestingly, newspapers in Britain, Australia, and New Zealand rarely mentioned that Wallace King was African American. By 1895, he was performing in Australia. He spent six years there as the "favorite tenor" at the Tivoli Theatre in Sydney.

In 1901, he traveled to New Zealand. In May of that year, he was performing in Christchurch. He was simply called "The World-famed Silver Tenor Vocalist of the Minstrel Stage." He performed with the Dix Company in New Zealand until at least December 1902. After that, he returned to America.

Later Life and Legacy

Wallace King passed away a few months later in 1903. He died in Oaklands, California. He is remembered as a popular and talented singer who entertained audiences across different continents.