Artist page

Pigmeat Markham was an African-American entertainer born on April 18, 1904, in Durham, North Carolina, and he passed away on December 13, 1981, in the Bronx, New York. He earned his nickname from a song in his act called “Sweet Papa Pigmeat.” Markham began his entertainment career at the age of thirteen in 1917, performing on the southern “race” circuit alongside Bessie Smith and later appearing on burlesque bills with comedy legends such as Milton Berle, Red Buttons, and Eddie Cantor. In the 1950s, Markham gained popularity as one of Black America’s most beloved entertainers while performing at nightclubs and theaters, including the Regal in Chicago, The Howard in Washington, and the Apollo. By 1968, he signed with the renowned Chicago blues record label Chess and recorded the top 20 hit “Here Comes The Judge.” Markham also made several television appearances, including memorable spots on The Ed Sullivan Show, and starred in various films in the 1940s, including “House-Rent Party” in 1946.

For any edit requests, please reach out to info@rovr.live