Books by Smokey Stevens
Behind the Glitz and Glamour
A collection of shobiz stories told by Smokey Stevens of his experiences and relationships with industry greats such as Michael Jackson, Lucille Ball, Cab Calloway, Lena Horne, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Gregory Hines, Charles Honi Coles, Allen Toussaint and others. This book is an inside look at the entertainment industry told by an artist whose career has spanned decades.
The First 60 Years
The First 60 Years: The History of Afro-American Musical Theater and Entertainment chronicles the creation of entertainment in America, dating back to the 1840s with the creation of white minstrelsy. Following the Emancipation Proclamation of 1865, this book focuses entirely on the African American contributions to entertainment in America for the next 60 years ending with the Great Depression of the 1930s.
In this book, you will meet artists whose names have been forgotten and seldom if ever mentioned; artists this present-day world has never known. Artists such as the first Black man to produce a show – Charles Hicks in 1865; the first Black female artist entrepreneurs – Ma Rainey, the Whitman Sisters, the Black Patti – Sissieretta Jones and their traveling road troupes. The first Black theater owners, producers, impresarios of entertainment; and the creator of Black urban theater as we know it today.
This book also details the climate in America as it relates to race relations during the early 20th century when African Americans were still suffering from the disease of racism, Jim Crow regulations, and the KKK. In spite of the life-threatening circumstances of the times, for Black Americans this book illustrates the power, perseverance, fortitude and skill exhibited by these first Black American entertainers who laid the foundation for entertainment in America as we know it today.
Amazon Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars The first 60 years the history review
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2022 Verified Purchase
I purchased this book and I love the pictures and history of African American in theater.black people in minstrel shows and the negro ensemble company so many famous African Americans before Hollywood like Esther Rolle, Morgan Freeman, Roseanne Cash, Robert Hooks a great book to have I wish the book was longer and there were more photos.
5.0 out of 5 stars Very Informative!
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2022 Verified Purchase
So much good information about the history of black entertainment and the key innovators involved!
5.0 out of 5 stars This is a must read for persons who are interested in Black performers contributions to theater in America!
Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2014Ronald “Smokey” Stevens is an actor, dancer, singer, director, and producer who has spent his life creating from his inner-self a multitude of dynamic imagery on the Broadway stages, on European Tours, and in films. However, great performances that are experienced by audiences become faded memories over time and are soon forgotten. Mr. Stevens has set his mind on capturing the forgotten talented black artists who molded and ultimately created the American Musical Theatre. His book, “The First 60 years – The History of Afro-American Musical Theater 1865 to 1935,” sheds light on the talented brothers and sisters who were able to showcase their talents in a country that oftentimes did not see them as fellow citizens or even as human beings. The question is, why did these brave black artists even want to express their talents in a racist nation? I can answer my own question – they were brave and they were truly artists who had something significant to say in a land of racial inequality, in a land of white on black crime without consequences, “in the land of the free and home of the brave” known as America.
What makes Mr. Stevens’ book so compelling is that it is like a time capsule that has been un-earthed after many decades and all of the information that is in it is of a transforming nature. Yes, some people are aware of a few black artists like Bessie Smith or Ethel Waters, but I venture to say did you know that at the turn of the twentieth century black entrepreneurs like Sherman Dudley and John Gibson bought and operated their own theaters and showcased the talents of hundreds of black artists? Some black stars of that era even traveled in their own railroad cars. It is information like this and much, much more that makes his book a must read for everyone.
Stephen Byrd
Playwright/Director