Author Archives: aan37

Ethel Waters and Topsy: Say WHAT?

I spent some time researching artists that arose from Topsy’s influence on black entertainment. I was struck by the similarities between the upbringing of Ethel Waters and Topsy. In her autobiography, Ms. Waters talks about growing up, saying, “I never … Continue reading

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But What of Her Body

Topsy has had quite the afterlife. Beyond the page, she was consumed on a mass scale by white audiences, performed by both white (in blackface) and black artists such as Ida Forsyne, and is credited with inspiring black artistry especially … Continue reading

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The Duncan Sisters as Topsy

The Duncan Sisters as Topsy&Eva Check out this 1925 movie reel of Topsy and Eva played by the Duncan Sisters Prior to the movie, Uncle Tom’s Cabin was adopted into a musical titled, Topsy and Eva, one sister playing Eva … Continue reading

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