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Biography
Etta Moten Barnett was an American actress and contralto vocalist, who was identified with her signature role of "Bess" in Porgy and Bess. She created new roles for African-American women on stage and screen. After her performing career, Barnett was active in Chicago as a major philanthropist and civic activist, raising funds for and supporting cultural, social, and church institutions. She also hosted a radio program in Chicago and represented the United States in several official delegations to nations in Africa.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA
Awards & recognition
- Candace Award · 1983
- honorary degree from Spelman College · 1983
- Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame · 1979
Filmography5 titles

Gold Diggers of 1933
1933as 'Remember My Forgotten Man' Singer (uncredited)
1933as 'Remember My Forgotten Man' Singer (uncredited)

A Day at the Races
1937as Black Singer (uncredited)
1937as Black Singer (uncredited)

The Green Pastures
1936as Angel (uncredited)
1936as Angel (uncredited)

Flying Down to Rio
1933as Colored Singer
1933as Colored Singer

Ladies They Talk About
1933as Singing Inmate (voice) (uncredited)
1933as Singing Inmate (voice) (uncredited)