Dorothy Dandridge was an American actress and singer, and was the first African-American nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Dandridge, from Cleveland Ohio, was inspired by entertainment at a young age. Dandridge’s mother, who was an aspiring entertainer, created an act of her two daughters Vivan and Dorothy, named “The Wonder Children”.
She first gained fame as a solo artist performing in night clubs, usually accompanied by Phil Moore on the piano. She become popular for songs including “Blow Out the Candle”, “You Do Something To Me”, and “Talk Sweet Talk To Me”.
Dandridge was nominated for an Academy Award and a BAFTA for Best Actress in a leading role in Carmen Jones. She was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for Porgy and Bess. In 1999, she was the subject of the HBO biopic Introducing Dorothy Dandridge. She has been recognized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
On September 8, 1965 Dandridge died from an accidental overdose in Los Angeles. At Unheard-Voices we recognize Dorothy Dandridge as “Blacks In History”.
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