Waters, Ethel (1900-1977), was a popular African American singer and actress. She gained recognition as a singer of both blues and popular songs. Waters starred in several Broadway musicals, including Africana (1927), As Thousands Cheer (1933), At Home Abroad (1935), and Cabin in the Sky (1940). She introduced a number of well-known songs during her stage career, including “I’m Coming Virginia,” “Heat Wave,” and “Taking a Chance on Love.” She also appeared in dramatic roles. Waters won particular acclaim for her performances in the motion picture Pinky (1949) and the play The Member of the Wedding (1950).
Waters was born on Oct. 31, 1900, in Chester, Pennsylvania. She began singing in nightclubs and in vaudeville when she was 17 years old. Waters wrote a highly praised autobiography, His Eye Is on the Sparrow (1951). She died on Sept. 1, 1977.
