Etta Moten Barnett: A Trailblazer in Film, Music, and Activism

In the pantheon of great American artists, Etta Moten Barnett holds a distinguished, but overlooked place. Her legacy is woven with threads of extraordinary talent, pioneering achievements, and an unwavering commitment to social justice. From her role in the iconic film Flying Down to Rio to her historic performances at the White House and her impactful activism, Barnett's life story is one of triumph, resilience, and enduring influence.

Early Life and Beginnings

Etta Moten Barnett was born on November 5, 1901, in Weimar, Texas. Raised in a musical household, she was immersed in the sounds of gospel music from an early age. Her father, a minister, and her mother, a pianist, instilled in her a deep love for music and a sense of purpose. This foundation would become the cornerstone of her future career.

Etta's family put great importance on education, and her parents ensured she was enrolled in good schools no matter where they moved. She attended Western University, a historically black college in Quindaro, Kansas, where she studied music. She completed her education at the University of Kansas, where she earned a B.A. in voice and drama in 1931 and became the first student to present a recital in the campus's newly constructed Hoch Auditorium.

Breakthrough in Hollywood

In 1933, Barnett achieved a significant milestone when she was cast in the musical film Flying Down to Rio. Directed by Thornton Freeland, the film starred Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, marking the beginning of their legendary on-screen partnership. While Astaire and Rogers captured the spotlight, Barnett's role as an unnamed singer was a breakthrough for African American representation in Hollywood.

Flying Down to Rio is notable for several reasons. It was one of the first major Hollywood films to feature an interracial cast, albeit in limited roles such as Clarence Muse’s uncredited role as a caddy. Barnett's performance, particularly her rendition of the song "The Carioca," showcased her exceptional vocal talent and charismatic presence. Her voice, rich and vibrant, added a unique dimension to the film, captivating audiences and critics alike.

Barnett's participation in Flying Down to Rio was groundbreaking. At a time when African American performers were often relegated to stereotypical roles or completely excluded from major productions, her presence in a high-profile film was a significant step forward. She demonstrated that Black artists could bring depth, nuance, and excellence to mainstream entertainment, challenging prevailing racial norms and opening doors for future generations.

Pioneering Performances

Barnett's success in Flying Down to Rio was just the beginning of a career that would see her break numerous barriers. In 1942, she made history by becoming the first African American woman to perform at the White House in more than 80 years. Invited by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, Barnett's performance was a powerful statement against the racial segregation and discrimination that plagued the United States. Her presence at the White House was a symbol of progress and a testament to her talent and determination.

Barnett was also celebrated for her role in the Broadway production of Porgy and Bess. George Gershwin discussed her singing the part of Bess in his new work, which he had written with her in mind. Although she was concerned about trying a role above her natural range of contralto, in the 1942 revival, the part of Bess was rewritten. She accepted the role of Bess, but she refused to sing lyrics with racial slurs, which Ira Gershwin subsequently wrote out of the libretto. Through her performances on Broadway and with the national touring company until 1945, she made Bess her signature role.

Activism on the National Stage

Beyond her achievements in film and theater, Barnett's impact extended to the realm of politics and activism. She was deeply committed to social justice and used her platform to advocate for civil rights and equality. In the 1960s, during the height of the civil rights movement, Barnett became an active participant in the struggle for racial justice. Her activism was driven by a profound belief in the power of art to effect social change and a commitment to using her voice to speak out against injustice.

On March 6, 1957, Moten Barnett interviewed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Accra, Ghana, where they were both attending the celebration of Ghana's independence from Great Britain. She was there as the wife of Claude Barnett, a prominent member of the official U.S. delegation headed by Vice President Richard Nixon. Dr. King had just recently been a part of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The recording of this conversation, conducted in a Ghanaian radio studio where Barnett was gathering recordings for her Chicago broadcasts, is available at the Library of Congress and the Schomburg Library.

Barnett's activism was not limited to high-profile events and public speeches. She was also involved in grassroots efforts to improve the lives of African Americans. She worked with organizations such as the NAACP and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, using her influence to support initiatives aimed at dismantling segregation and promoting equality.

In the 50s and 60s, Barnett hosted a radio show in Chicago called I Remember When. Dozens of recordings of I Remember When are available at the Library of Congress and the Schomburg Library in New York City. According to historian Angela Tate, Barnett's program, which covered a wide range of cultural issues, was perhaps the first "Black woman's radio broadcast created for Black listeners that also had a broader audience."

A Life of Artistic Excellence

In addition to her activism, Barnett's artistic achievements continued to garner recognition and acclaim. She was a celebrated singer and actress, known for her powerful voice and commanding stage presence. Throughout her career, she performed in a variety of musical and theatrical productions, earning accolades for her versatility and skill.

Barnett's contributions to the arts extended beyond her own performances. She was also a mentor and advocate for young artists, particularly those from marginalized communities. Through her work with various cultural organizations, she helped to nurture the next generation of performers and ensured that their voices were heard and valued.

Barnett was inducted into the Black Film-Makers Hall of Fame and received a Living Legend Award from the National Black Arts Festival. In 1983, she received the Candace Award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and in 2001, at the age of 100, she was inducted into the Emily Taylor Center for Women and Gender Equity at the University of Kansas.

Legacy and Impact

Etta Moten Barnett's legacy is one of artistic excellence and unwavering commitment to social justice. Her pioneering achievements in film and music paved the way for future generations of African American performers, and her activism helped to advance the cause of civil rights in the United States. She demonstrated that art and activism are not mutually exclusive but can be powerful allies in the fight for equality and justice.

Barnett's impact continues to be felt today, both in the world of entertainment and beyond. Her contributions to film, music, and theater are celebrated as milestones in the ongoing struggle for representation and inclusion. Her work as an activist serves as a reminder of the importance of using one's platform to advocate for change and the enduring power of solidarity and collaboration.

As we reflect on Etta Moten Barnett's life and legacy, we are reminded of the transformative power of art and the enduring importance of social justice. Her story is a testament to the resilience and determination of those who have fought for equality and a reminder of the work that remains to be done. In celebrating her contributions, we honor a remarkable artist and a tireless champion of justice whose impact continues to resonate in our world today.