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Bert Williams

Bert Williams (November 12, 1874 – March 4, 1922)

Bert Williams was one of the most successful early black entertainers.  He was a best-selling recording artist and Broadway entertainer.

At the time Williams was performing, there were several challenges for the black entertainer.  Racism was rampant in the United States, and the "negro" was stereotyped in the entertainment field.  Blackface minstrels, consisting of white entertainers appearing in highly exaggerated costume representing blacks, were a popular source of entertainment.  For a black entertainer to work in his craft he had to adopt that stereotype in his performance.  Bert Williams, for example, appeared on stage in "blackface" with his face painted to the stereotyped image.

The use of the term "nigger," so much a term of discussion in modern times, was used freely.  It was a way to debase the black man and make him the source of derisive humor.

Bert Williams and his contemporary black performers were often the source of criticism from other black groups for perpetuating the stereotype.  The performers could not work unless they did.

So why focus on an entertainer like Bert Williams?  First, because he was a brilliant performer, but beyond that because he used the constraints he was under to further the acceptance and legitimacy of black performers. A closer examination of his work shows a brave defiance of the stereotypes cleverly incorporated.  Without Williams there could be no current black performers.  He is deserving of this tribute page.  Additional information on the life and work of Bert Williams can be found at Wikipedia.

Nobody

The song Nobody was one of the most popular for Bert Williams.  He performed it on stage and made a recording of it. Though adorned with the stereotypical accoutrements, a brave defiance is prominent:

Title: Nobody.
Composer, Lyricist, Arranger: Words by Alex Rogers. Music by Bert A. Williams.
Publication: New York : The Attucks Music Publishing Co., 1255-57 Broadway
Date: 1905
Recording Date: 1906
Performer: Bert Williams

 

Nobody

When life seems full of clouds and rain,
And I am full of nothing and pain
Who soothes my thumping, bumping brain? Hmm?
Nobody

When winter comes, with snow and sleet,
And me with hunger and cold feet
Who says, "Here's twenty-five cents,
go ahead and get something to eat.
Go on, why don't you"?
Nobody

Chorus

When I was in that railroad wreck
And thought I'd cashed in my last check
Who took the engine off my neck?
Nobody

One time when things was looking bright
I started to whittle on a stick one night
Who cried out, "Stop now, that's dynamite"?
Not a soul

Chorus


Chorus:

I ain't never done nothing to nobody
I ain't never got nothing from nobody, no time
So until I get something from somebody, sometime
I'll never do nothing for nobody no time.

Check out Bert Williams Prohibition Songs            Song 1     Song 2

©2008