Reese LaMarr DuPree (July 18, 1883 – April 30, 1963) was an American singer, recording artist, promoter and entrepreneur.[1] He sang the blues and was perhaps the first African-American male to sing and play guitar on a blues record for Okeh Records.[2][1][3] He recorded on Victor and Okeh Records.[4][5]
Biography
DuPree was born July 18, 1883, in Bibb County, Georgia, on a cotton plantation near to Macon, Georgia.[1] He started singing in church and left the plantation around 13 trying his hand at several jobs.[1] Around 1900 he moved to New York City.[1] After winning an amateur competition at the Miner's Bowery Theatre he quit his job and started touring the cities' various amateur competitions.[1] His music professors came from Scotland, England, France and America.[6]
He is in the movie Turkey in the Straw.[1] In 1932, he performed with a chicken that he taught to sing, which was reported around the world.[1][6]
DuPree was a promoter of African-American artists and gained much recognition and was honored by the people of Macon and other Middle Georgians.[6]
As a promoter, he faced competition from Savoy Attractions.[8]
He was described as both internationally famous[9] and national-known promoter and presented such acts as Jimmie Lunceford.[10]
He was added to Asbury Park's Boardwalk Hall of Fame in 2018.[11]
Songs
"Long Ago Blues" — (OKeh 1923) Vocalist, baritone, composer, lyricist[2]
"O Saroo Saroo" — (OKeh 1923) Vocalist, baritone[2]
