Lillian Yarbo

Lillian "Billie" Yarbo (March 17, 1905 – June 12, 1996) was an American stage and screen actress, dancer, and singer. Early life Born Lillian Yarbough in Washington, DC, Billie eventually made her way to New York, as did both her mother and at least one sister—though exactly when this happened and whether they made this pilgrimage all at once or separately and at different times, remains unclear. Career Stage The 'Real' Billie By her early 20s, Yarbo, credited prior to October 1928 as Yarbough, was a rising star, both in Harlem night spots and on the Broadway stage. Writing in The New Yorker, reviewing the Miller and Lyles musical, Keep Shufflin, a young Charles Brackett alerted readers: With a style sometimes likened to that of her contemporary, Josephine Baker, Yarbo was embraced by audiences and critics alike, beginning in the late 1920s and continuing until her 1936 screen debut.Pulaski, Jack (as "Ibee"). "Legitimate; With Music: 'Keep Shufflin'". Variety. March 7, 1928. Page 52. As for her vocal stylings, just a few, fleeting, onscreen remnants exist (see relevant excerpt from The Family Next Door in External links). That said, Yarbo clearly did not lack for confidence, having once told trumpeter Buck Clayton, "To hell with Billie Holiday! Come down and listen to me, the real Billie."