John Hodges

John Hodges (July 28, 1821 – April 23, 1891); known as Cool White, was an American blackface minstrel entertainer, who wrote or popularized the song "Buffalo Gals", published by him in 1844 under the title "Lubly Fan". There is some dispute as to whether he composed the tune or adapted a traditional air.

Career Hodges's stage name was "Cool White". He debuted in Pennsylvania in 1838, at the Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia and specialized in "dandy" roles: in 1842 he was a particular hit as a character called "Fancy Cool" in Silas S. Steele's Philadelphia Assurance. In 1843 he organized the Virginia Serenaders and later a troupe called the Sable Melodists.

In 1879 he also acted the straight role of Uncle Tom in a stage version of the famous anti-slavery melodrama. He was also instrumental in founding the Chicago Lodge, 3, of B. P. O. Elks.

He died in Chicago on April 23, 1891.