Daisy Tapley

Born Daisy Robinson in Big Rapids, Michigan, she was raised in Chicago, where she played piano and the organ with music teachers Emil Liebling, Clarence Eddy, and later with Pedro Tinsley.

In 1903 they toured Britain with Bert Williams, one of the greatest comedians of the day and partner George Walker Company's In Dahomey, a production whose writers and cast were African-Americans.

During the tour she met and connected with a singer, Minnie Brown, whom became Daisy's lover, moving in with her back in Harlem as a domestic companion.

She had a prominent role in the 1917 Silent March similar to today's BLM peaceful demonstrations protesting African-American racial violence; the Dyer bill and the Anti-Lynching movement,[5] she also participated in planning benefits and concerts which raised funds for 'race' causes.

Her collaboration with Roland Hayes of Boston,[9] a young Tenor Daisy discovered and promoted early in his career would prove lasting for both artists.

[11] This was during an era of Jim Crow when African-Americans were often subjected to negative conditions as performers and artists, which included racial violence from theatre owners and prejudice in lodgings and bookings.

Contributor: Clark, Carroll – Van Deventer, Judson W. – Tapley, Daisy – Weeden, W. S. Date: 1910-12-07 (Source- Library of Congress)