Born in Texas about 1888. Lee Roy White aka, 'Lasses or Lee, had been in some of the better minstrel companies touring America in the early decades of the 20th century. He was often in the same company with pals Al and Don Palmer.
His career was launched in 1912 with the questionably titled, "Negro Blues" (latter retitled with a less acceptable word reflective of the time). This is thought to be the FIRST blues song published and by a performer familiar with the structure of blues music. It set the standard for blues as it developed within the 1920's and 1930's vaudeville entertainment venues.
He was part of Neil O'Brien's "American Minstrel Organization" appearing at the Academy of Music in 1916 (Reading Eagle, March 26, 1916, pg. 12) and was listed as one of the popular vocalists with Don and Al Palmer in "O'Brien and His Minstrels (Plattsburg Daily Press (Aug. 14, 1916, pg. 6). Later, he was with the famous Al G. Fields Minstrel show ("Minstrel Show at the Overholser," Oklahoman (march 24, 1918)42).
In the 1930's he did a stint with the Grand Ole Opry and performed on other circuits but finally, he moved to Hollywood and remained there playing western side-kicks in a long series of minor western movies with leading men such as Tim Holt and Jimmy Wakely for RKO. He died there in 1949.
Here is a song he wrote that was recorded by a six year old. Here is a film clip from "Come on Danger" (1942)
with Lasses (Lee) playing the jug. 
No comments:
Post a Comment