Charlie Washington
Actor
About Charlie Washington
Charlie Washington was an African American character actor and musician who contributed to the vibrant landscape of 'race films' during the mid-1940s. He is best remembered for his role in the 1944 religious drama 'Go Down Death!', directed by the pioneering filmmaker Spencer Williams. In this landmark production, Washington appeared alongside a cast of notable Black performers, including Myra D. Hemmings and Samuel H. James, helping to bring to life a story based on the poetry of James Weldon Johnson. Beyond his work in front of the camera, Washington was a talented pianist who played a significant role in the early Kansas City jazz scene. He was a member of Walter Page's Blue Devils, a legendary territory band that served as a precursor to the Count Basie Orchestra. His dual career as a screen actor and a jazz musician exemplifies the multidisciplinary nature of many Black entertainers working within the segregated industry of the era. Though his filmography is sparse, his participation in Spencer Williams' work ensures his place in the history of independent Black cinema.
The Craft
On Screen
Washington utilized a naturalistic and grounded approach suitable for the moralistic and religious dramas of Spencer Williams. His performances often reflected the dignity and community-focused themes prevalent in 1940s independent Black cinema.
Milestones
- Featured actor in the Spencer Williams film 'Go Down Death!' (1944)
- Pianist for the influential jazz ensemble Walter Page's Blue Devils
- Recorded 'Blue Devil Blues' and 'Squabblin'' with the Blue Devils in 1929
- Collaborated with jazz legends such as Count Basie, Jimmy Rushing, and Hot Lips Page
- Contributed to the 'Race Film' era of independent Black cinema
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Recognized in jazz history as the pianist on the only recordings of Walter Page's Blue Devils
- Included in the archival history of the Kansas City Jazz movement
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Charlie Washington's cultural impact is felt in two distinct areas of African American art: music and film. As a member of the Blue Devils, he was part of the 'Kansas City Style' that revolutionized jazz, emphasizing a hard-swinging, blues-based sound that eventually conquered the world via Count Basie. In cinema, his work with Spencer Williams provided representation for Black audiences at a time when Hollywood largely ignored or stereotyped them. 'Go Down Death!' is considered one of the most important religious race films, and Washington's presence in it supports the historical record of Black self-expression and independent production during the Jim Crow era.
Lasting Legacy
Washington's legacy is preserved through the surviving prints of 'Go Down Death!' and the 1929 Vocalion recordings of the Blue Devils. He represents the unsung journeymen of the Golden Age who bridged the gap between the musical stage and the silver screen. His contributions are frequently cited by film historians specializing in the works of Spencer Williams and by jazz scholars researching the origins of the Count Basie rhythm section.
Who They Inspired
He influenced the development of the Kansas City jazz piano style, serving as a contemporary and occasional replacement for Count Basie in the Blue Devils lineup.
Off Screen
Details of Washington's personal life remain largely undocumented, though he was deeply embedded in the Kansas City and Oklahoma City jazz communities during the late 1920s and early 1930s.
Education
Likely trained as a musician in the jazz circuits of the American Southwest.
Did You Know?
- Washington is the pianist on the only two tracks ever recorded by Walter Page's Blue Devils: 'Blue Devil Blues' and 'Squabblin''.
- He was part of the band that famously 'battled' Bennie Moten's orchestra for supremacy in the Kansas City jazz scene.
- His film 'Go Down Death!' was inspired by the poem of the same name by James Weldon Johnson.
- He worked with Spencer Williams, who later became famous as 'Andy' in the TV version of 'Amos 'n' Andy'.
- Some jazz historians have occasionally confused his piano playing with that of Count Basie due to their similar styles during the late 1920s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Charlie Washington?
Charlie Washington was an African American actor and jazz pianist active during the 1920s through the 1940s. He is best known for his role in the 1944 race film 'Go Down Death!' and for his work with Walter Page's Blue Devils.
What films is Charlie Washington best known for?
He is primarily known for the religious drama 'Go Down Death!' (1944), which was directed by and starred Spencer Williams.
Was Charlie Washington also a musician?
Yes, he was a prominent jazz pianist in the Kansas City scene. He played with Walter Page's Blue Devils and performed alongside future legends like Count Basie and Jimmy Rushing.
What was Charlie Washington's contribution to jazz history?
Washington is credited as the pianist on the 1929 recordings of the Blue Devils, which are considered essential documents of the early Kansas City swing style.
What is the significance of the film 'Go Down Death!'?
'Go Down Death!' is a significant 'race film' that used an all-Black cast to tell a story of faith and redemption, providing a rare alternative to the mainstream Hollywood portrayals of African Americans in the 1940s.
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Films
1 film
