Ethel Waters (1896-1977) Blues, jazz and gospel vocalist, actress. She frequently performed jazz, big band, and pop music, on the Broadway stage and in concerts, although she began her career in the 1920s singing blues. Her best-known recordings include “Dinah,†“Stormy Weather†and “Taking a Chance on Love.†She was the second African American, after Hattie McDaniel, to be nominated for an Academy Award in 1949 for the film, Pinky. 4 ¾†x 7†black and white, matte finish, photograph in costume signed, “To Louie Rich Sincerely Ethel Waters 11-23-39.â€