Edna Belle Alexander

Edna Belle Alexander (1892–1972) was an American soprano singer and music composer. In addition to performing, she became a songwriter and published music under the name Alex Belledna.

Biography Alexander was born in Ottumwa, Iowa on March 19, 1892 to parents Mary Ann (née Hamilton) (1868–1916) and Price Alexander. Her brother, Archie Alexander, later became governor of the Virgin Islands. She attended North Des Moines High School, graduating in 1911.

While living in Des Moines, Iowa, she was a member of the Des Moines Negro Lyceum and sang at various local events. In November 1911, she married William Beach at her parents' home in Highland Park, Iowa.

Alexander later married fellow musician and songwriter Maceo Pinkard in 1917. Under the name "Alex Belledna", she composed the song "It's Right Here for You (If You Don't Get It—Tain't No Fault of Mine)", which was included on the 1920 record Crazy Blues, recorded by Okeh Records and sung by Mamie Smith. A rarity for the early 1900s, the song was created by a team of black women, as Alexander co-wrote the song with lyricist Marion Dickerson. The play opened on Broadway on May 14, 1929, at the Belmont Theatre and ran for three performances, closing on May 16, 1929. Alexander and her husband also owned a music publishing company under their names.

Alexander died in 1972.

Discography "Sugar: That Sugar Baby O'Mine" (1926), co-wrote. Became a hit on an Ethel Waters recording. "Granny" (1919) - composer, "Tain't Nothing But Jazz" (1921) - co-wrote with Maceo Pinkard and William Tracey