Dorthaan Williams Kirk

1938- One of the first people hired by Newark’s jazz station WBGO and became the face of and a fierce … More

Tina Eugene Holtzclaw Bohannon

1905-1999 Photo from Arts High Yearbook, 1966 An early Black teacher in Newark, hired before 1945, firstly as a “permanent … More

1892-1978 Soprano who performed throughout the United States and Canada at least through the 1930s. She said, “I am a … More

The sisters of historian Robert Curvin. There were six daughters. They were born in Newark, but they grew up in … More

1910-1987 An early Black teacher, hired in 1945 (see Timeline, bottom of page here). Was eventually appointed Supervisor of Music … More

1914-2007 Lifelong Newark resident. Attended Barringer High and the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts. Ran for North Ward … More

c. 1900-2003 Duaghter of Max Danzis, a founder of Beth Israel Hospital and Jennie Danzis. Attended South Side High School … More

1937 (some sources say 1938)- Pop singer and chart topping vocalist. Connie was born Concetta Franconero in the Ironbound section … More

1902-1984 Photo from Barbara J Kukla Papers Born in Newark, Viola Wells, known as Miss Rhapsody was an internationally acclaimed … More

1900- 15 Jun 1965 (?) Grew up in Newark on Chestnut St. First “colored girl” to finish a 4 year … More

1898-1975? Went to Barringer and Central High graduating Central in 1918. Newspaper reporter for the Newark Ledger, lawyer, publisher of … More

c. 1893-1984 Operated the Dorothy Palmer School of dancing on Broadway in Newark for more than 50 years. Retired in … More

c. 1843-1928 Singer, mezzo-soprano. Active in the choirs at Trinity Cathedral (quartet during Civil War) and B’Nai Jeshurun as well … More

1943- Born Gloria Fowles in Newark. Graduated South Side High in 1961. Singer. Biggest hit “I Will Survive”. Bibliography Barbara … More

1893-1957 Lifelong resident of Newark, who attended Robert Treat School. She ran the Elsa Greenwood School of Dance. When she … More

1926-2008 Attended Charlton Street School and South Side High. Senior citizen activist and radio host on WNJR with “The Kitty … More

1913-2007 Founded the North Jersey Philharmonic Glee Club. Founded in her Newark, N.J. home in 1939, the all-male African-American choral … More

c. 1926-1978 Owned the Key Club, one of Newark’s most famous jazz clubs, with her husband. In 1976 she was … More

1874-1930 Clara L Scudder was very accomplished on the piano and organ. She learned from her father David Scudder who … More

c. 1918-2011 Bernice Cross worked at the Star Ledger all her life (from 1939). She coordinated several sections of the … More

1926-2000 Bernice Bass (right) had a major presence in the city’s music, radio, & political scenes. She had a Sunday … More

1924-1990 Sarah Vaughan described as having “one of the most wondrous voices of the 20th century.” Vaughan grew up in … More

1887-1982 Renowned Czech soprano Maria Jeritza lived in #newarknj Forest Hill from 1948 until her death in 1982. Her rapid … More