Butler May
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Born Name:
Butler May Jr.
Born Date: August 18, 1894
Born Place: Montgomery, Alabama
Died Date: November 17, 1917
Died Place: Jacksonville, Florida
Occupations: Entertainer, comedian, singer, songwriter
Brief Biography: Butler "String Beans" May was known for his streetwise humor, contortive dancing, and outrageous piano playing, he was one of the highest-paid Black entertainers in the country before his tragic, accidental death at age 23.
Early Life and Career:
May began his entertainment career as a child, playing piano and singing on the streets and from porch to porch.
Professional Debut: At age 14, he made his professional debut at the Belmont Street Theater in Pensacola, Florida, performing with the "Will Benbow's Chocolate Drops Company". It was around this time he earned the nickname "String Beans" due to his tall, slender frame.
The "Sweetie May" Duo: In 1910, he partnered with 16-year-old Sweetie Matthews (later Sweetie May). Together, the duo toured the country, headlining at venues like the Iroquois Theater in New Orleans and the Lafayette Theater in Harlem.
Style and Influence:
Musical Mastery: May was considered one of the earliest recognizable blues stars. His piano style was dynamic and athletic; he famously "attacked" the piano, often ending up on the floor while still playing and executing high-energy, horizontal dancing.
Comedy Style: He incorporated heavy physical comedy, contortion, and sharp, topical street humor into his routines.
Lasting Impact: May inspired a generation of performers. Jazz legend Jelly Roll Morton referred to May as "the greatest comedian he ever knew," while the famous blues singer Ethel Waters also cited May as a major inspiration. He was known for his flashy fashion, often sporting a large diamond in his front tooth.
Born Date: August 18, 1894
Born Place: Montgomery, Alabama
Died Date: November 17, 1917
Died Place: Jacksonville, Florida
Occupations: Entertainer, comedian, singer, songwriter
Brief Biography: Butler "String Beans" May was known for his streetwise humor, contortive dancing, and outrageous piano playing, he was one of the highest-paid Black entertainers in the country before his tragic, accidental death at age 23.
Early Life and Career:
May began his entertainment career as a child, playing piano and singing on the streets and from porch to porch.
Professional Debut: At age 14, he made his professional debut at the Belmont Street Theater in Pensacola, Florida, performing with the "Will Benbow's Chocolate Drops Company". It was around this time he earned the nickname "String Beans" due to his tall, slender frame.
The "Sweetie May" Duo: In 1910, he partnered with 16-year-old Sweetie Matthews (later Sweetie May). Together, the duo toured the country, headlining at venues like the Iroquois Theater in New Orleans and the Lafayette Theater in Harlem.
Style and Influence:
Musical Mastery: May was considered one of the earliest recognizable blues stars. His piano style was dynamic and athletic; he famously "attacked" the piano, often ending up on the floor while still playing and executing high-energy, horizontal dancing.
Comedy Style: He incorporated heavy physical comedy, contortion, and sharp, topical street humor into his routines.
Lasting Impact: May inspired a generation of performers. Jazz legend Jelly Roll Morton referred to May as "the greatest comedian he ever knew," while the famous blues singer Ethel Waters also cited May as a major inspiration. He was known for his flashy fashion, often sporting a large diamond in his front tooth.