Created by Kristin Howard “Queen of Happiness”

Born in Washington D.C. Died in New York, N.Y. Florence Mills was actually born Florence Winfrey to former slaves Nellie and John Winfrey Florence moved to New York City in 1905 to help her family financially Her two sisters created “The Mills Sisters,” a dance and singing Troupe that performed in Harlem theatre

Show Biz Florence was a Child star at age 4 and a touring vaudeville performer by age 7 Lead the way for African American women in theatre Florence popularized syncopated dance and was a leading performer during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s Singer Dancer Comedian

 In 1921 Florence Mills Married Ulysses Thompson a member of the Jazz band, Tennessee Ten  Florence made her debut in the hit Musical shuffle along  Shuffle along was an all black cast, musical comedy created by Noble Sissle and Eubie Blake

 In 1921 Florence replaced, the star role of Ruth Little, Gertrude Saunders  Ruth Little ran for more than 200 performances on Broadway  She was known for  Effervescent stage presence  Delicate Voice  Winsome, wide-eyed beauty

Songs Broadway appearances Shuffle along ( sang I’m Craving That Kinda Love) Plantation Revue Greenwich Village Follies Dixie to Broadway (sang I’m a little Blackbird Looking for a Bluebird)

 At age 31, Florence died from appendicitis, in 1927  More than 150,000 mourned her death  Fans crowded around Mother Zion Church in Harlem to mourn

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