Etta Moten Barnett

Etta Moten Barnett was an American actress and contralto vocalist, who was identified with her signature role of Bess in Porgy and Bess. She created new roles for AfricanAmerican women on stage and screen. After her performing career, Barnett was active in Chicago as a major philanthropist and civic activist, raising funds for and supporting cultural, social and church institutions.

Etta Moten was born in Weimar, Texas, the only child of a Methodist minister, Rev. Freeman F. Moten, and his wife Ida. She started singing as a child in the church choir.

Source: Wikipedia