Belle Davis

Belle Davis (April 28, 1874 – in or after 1938) was an American choreographer, dancer and singer who became famous in the United Kingdom prior to World War I. She was in a group called the "Octoroons" in America and moved to Great Britain in 1902, where she toured accompanied by young African-American boys. She has been said to be the first black woman to make a recording.

Life Davis was born in 1874, likely in New Orleans (although some note her being a Chicagoan). In 1891, she joined the new burlesque "Creole Show" at Sam T. Jack's Opera House, and toured on Jack's circuit.

She was among the first wave of black American performers to capture the attention of European audiences. She went to Britain in 1897 with the revue "Oriental America". Davis also performed in the US, in places including Philadelphia at the Park Theatre on Broad Street and Keith's on Chestnut Street.

Having been booked on a tour of Britain's music hall theaters, Davis was on board the SS St. Paul that sailed from New York Harbor on June 5, 1901, bound for Southampton, England. She was in a group called the "Octoroons" in America Through the years, other black boys joined her troupe, including Walter Humphrey, Louis Douglas, and Archie Ware, some of which went on to become stars themselves. Davis would tour with this act visiting many of the major cities in England. The language used at the time in regard to Davis' troupe, song titles, and performance style exposes white audiences' desire to engage with racist caricatures for entertainment. The latest time at which Davis is recorded in Europe was in Paris in 1929.

Davis left Europe and returned to America in 1938.