Support Us Button Widget

Five legendary Black artists + entertainers from South Carolina

pexels-katrien-grevendonck-2101487

Microphone | Image via Pexels

Table of Contents

In honor of Black History Month, we’re shining a light on five artists + entertainers born in South Carolina that are living legends.

Chubby Checker | Rock n’ roll singer | Spring Gully

Ernest Evans nicknamed “Chubby” by his boss at a poultry market – grew up in Philadelphia but was born in Spring Gully, SC. At the age of 11, Chubby formed a street corner harmony group after attending Sugar Chile Robinson + Ernest Tubb concerts. He taught himself how to play piano and sing, and people began to notice his talent throughout his young adulthood. In 1959, he recorded “The Twist”, which was originally deemed mediocre. After advocating for the record he worked so hard on, Chubby saw his song + dance become the No. 1 hit in 1960, and again in 1962. “The Twist” is still a widely popular song + dance to this day.

Eartha Kitt | Singer + actress | North

Eartha was born on a cotton plantation in North, SC in 1927. In her early life, she was rejected by the man her mother chose to live with due to her pale complexion, which eventually led to her move to Harlem, New York where her pursuit of the arts began. She is widely known for recording holiday hit “Santa Baby” + is the voice actor of Yzma in the movie “The Emperor’s New Groove”.

Anthony Brown | Actor + comedian | Columbia

Columbia native + Denmark Technical College graduate James Anthony Brown’s career began at a comedy club in Atlanta in 1972. Originally a tailor + designer, his career in comedy kicked off after performing in a group at a nightclub. He eventually moved to Los Angeles + became the head staff writer at the Arsenio Hall Show, and wrote for TV shows including “The Parenthood” + “Me and the Boys.” Additionally, he appeared on the “Tom Joyner Morning Show” for 20 years, received Peabody Award in 1993 + owns a line of hot sauce that includes “WatchOutDehNow” flavors in honor of his trademark phrase.

Linda Martell | Blues + country singer | Batesburg-Leesville

In 1969, this Batesburg-Leesville native became the first Black woman to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. Born Thelma Bynem, she grew up singing country music with her South Carolina family who tuned in to Nashville’s WLAC radio. She took on a stage name and formed a trio with her sister + cousin, Linda Martell & the Anglos. As a member of the group, this became the first major step in her musical journey. Nashvillian William “Duke” Rayner noticed her at a gig and offered her a demo deal. Linda eventually signed a management contract in 1969 + produced the hit singleColor Him Father” that led to her Grand Ole Opry debut.

Wes Mackey | Guitarist | Yamesse

Wes Mackey was born in 1942 in Yamesse, SC (Beaufort), where he learned to play guitar from old blues players in the South. Following his father’s urges to leave the rural South, he moved to Augusta where his career took off. Eventually, Wes found himself touring the world with musicians like Stevie Wonder, Jimmy Reed + more, and still plays music today. Listen to Wes’s music here.

More from CHStoday
CHStoday readers weigh in on the classic Thanksgiving debate of which side dish is the best, plus the proper way to pronounce pecan.
Toadfish Conservation Coalition’s annual fundraiser brings oysters and live music to Bowen’s Island Restaurant.
Use our guide to navigate dozens of holiday events happening from Summerville to IOP and everywhere in between.
The team behind 71 Wentworth aimed to preserve architectural integrity while transforming it into contemporary homes.
Hit the road and head to Savannah — we’re sharing all the details about what to do and eat, plus where to stay.
Sweeter than Fiction also sells apparel, stickers, tumblers, candles, and stationery from its King Street store.
Historical markers are physical signs, plaques, and statues that commemorate a significant place or event. Where would you like to see a historical marker around Charleston?
Get to know a baker who calls Charleston home and prepare to cheer her on the Food Network’s “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking” competition.
Get ready to make waves at Riverfront Park.
Fleet Landing is a locally-owned seafood restaurant that is celebrating a major milestone + giving back to the Charleston community.