Nina Mae McKinney (1912-1967)

Nina Mae McKinney was born Nannie Mayme McKinney on June 12, 1912, in Lancaster, SC. She was a sultry temptress; a versatile self-taught singer, dancer and actress who revolutionized the role of black women in film. She was cast in the lead role of 'Hallelujah', the first all-black film produced by a major studio.

She moved to New York at the age of 13 and in 1929 played the role of 'Chick' in 'Hallelujah', an impressive performance that led to a five-year contract with MGM Studios. When MGM cut most of her scenes in 'Reckless' (1935), she realized that Hollywood was not ready to take a chance on a glamorous black sex symbol.

Rather than accept minor movie roles as maids or slaves, she left the American film industry for Europe. In 1930, McKinney traveled with pianist Garland Wilson and played at some of Europe's most notable night clubs, including Chez Florence in Paris and Trocadero and Cira in London. While in London, McKinney starred in 'Congo Road' with legendary actor Paul Robeson. In Europe, she was well-received and billed as "The Black Garbo". She performed at the Royal Command Performance for King George V and was the first black person to be televised in London in 1933.

In 1939, she returned to tour the U.S. with Pancho Diggs and his orchestra. In 1940, she married jazz musician Jimmy Monroe- they divorced a year later. McKinney lived in Greece for much of the '50s and '60s; her nickname there was "Queen of Night Life." She had only been back in New York City a short time before her death in 1967.

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Happy Birthday Nina Mae!

• After McKinney's divorce from Jimmy Monroe in 1941, Monroe married legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday.
• Nina Mae was raised by her Great Aunt Carrie, who lived in a small apartment in the backyard of Col. Leroy Springs. Aunt Carrie worked as a cook and housekeeper for the Springs family. Lena Jones Springs gave Nina Mae a bicycle to run errands and her first public performances were riding stunts.
• In 1978 Nina Mae McKinney was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame.