Ethel Waters (1896-1977) overcame a disadvantaged childhood to become the most famous African American actress, singer, and entertainer of her time. Having triumphed in black vaudeville during the Harlem Renaissance, she moved to Broadway in the mid 1920s. She brought much of the innovative character of black theatre into the mainstream and was almost immediately acclaimed by white critics and audiences alike. In this biography, Bourne documents her career, and tries to explain her influence and popularity. The book includes a transcript of an interview with Waters on Britains BBC Radio 4, a list of films, theaters, etc. in which she performed, and a list of her songs..