1. Florence Mills Created by Kristin Howard “Queen of Happiness”

2. Jan. 25, 1896 – Nov. 1, 1927 • 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

3. 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

4. Ulysses “slow kid” Thompson • 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

5. Fame came • 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

6. Contributions 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)

7. Florence Mills Death • 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

8. http://www.gallimaufry.info/nowshowing_harlem.html • http://www.florencemills.com/friendsandassociates.htm • http://www.blackpast.com/?q=aah/mills-florence-1896-1927