McCarver Brothers explained

The McCarver Brothers, Howard McCarver and William McCarver, performed in minstrel and vaudeville shows from the late 19th century into the 20th.^[1] William McCarver (often known as "Billy" or "Billie") was lauded for his make-up, contortion, singing, and dancing in his comedy duo performances.

In 1894, William McCarver was part of Howard McCarver's Operatic Minstrels and in 1895 they were with Al G. Field.^[2] He also performed with Arthur Rockwell's Georgia Minstrels.^[3]

One of his reported performing partners was Theodore Pankey.^[4]

In one review, William was applauded for his contortions, pantomime, song, and dance as "fresh stuff" that are not regularly encountered.^[5]

Notes and References

1. Book: Peterson. Bernard L.. Profiles of African American Stage Performers and Theatre People, 1816-1960. Greenwood Press. 2001. 9780313295348. 174.
2. Book: Brooks, Tim. The Blackface Minstrel Show in Mass Media: 20th Century Performances on Radio, Records, Film and Television. November 15, 2019. McFarland. 9781476676760. Google Books.
3. News: McCarver. Billy. June 16, 1928. In the Mailbag. 3. Indianapolis Recorder. letter to the editor.
4. News: November 11, 1915. Theatrical jottings. 6. The New York Age. newspapers.com.
5. Book: Sampson, Henry T.. Blacks in Blackface: A Sourcebook on Early Black Musical Shows. October 30, 2013. Scarecrow Press. 9780810883512. 140. Google Books.