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McCarver Brothers

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(Redirected from Billie McCarver)

The McCarver Brothers, Howard McCarver and William McCarver, performed in minstrel and vaudeville shows from the late 19th century into the 20th.[1] William McCarver (often known as "Billy" or "Billie") was lauded for his make-up, contortion, singing, and dancing in his comedy duo performances.[2]

In 1894, William McCarver was part of Howard McCarver's Operatic Minstrels and in 1895 they were with Al G. Field.[3] He also performed with Arthur Rockwell's Georgia Minstrels.[4]

One of his reported performing partners was Theodore Pankey.[5]

In one review, William was applauded for his contortions, pantomime, song, and dance as "fresh stuff" that are not regularly encountered.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Peterson, Bernard L. (2001). Profiles of African American Stage Performers and Theatre People, 1816-1960. Greenwood Press. p. 174. ISBN 9780313295348.
  2. ^ a b Sampson, Henry T. (October 30, 2013). Blacks in Blackface: A Sourcebook on Early Black Musical Shows. Scarecrow Press. p. 140. ISBN 9780810883512 – via Google Books.
  3. ^ Brooks, Tim (November 15, 2019). The Blackface Minstrel Show in Mass Media: 20th Century Performances on Radio, Records, Film and Television. McFarland. ISBN 9781476676760 – via Google Books.
  4. ^ McCarver, Billy (June 16, 1928). "In the Mailbag". Indianapolis Recorder (letter to the editor). p. 3.
  5. ^ "Theatrical jottings". The New York Age. November 11, 1915. p. 6 – via newspapers.com.