Gordon, Taylor, 1893-1971

Singer and author born in White Sulphur Springs, Mont.

Emmanuel Taylor Gordon was born in 1893, the youngest son of the only black family in White Sulphur Springs, Mont. For many years he traveled around the U.S. as chef and porter on the private railroad car of circus magnate John Ringling. In New York City Gordon became involved in the "Harlem Renaisaance." He joined with pianist Rosamund Johnson in 1925 in a musical vaudeville act performing Negro spirituals. Gordon also acted in one movie and performed on Broadway. In 1929 his autobiography, Born to Be, was published (and subsequently reprinted in 1975). He also wrote a novel, "Daonda" which was never published. He died in White Sulphur Springs on 5 May 1971.

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