Reese DuPree explained

Reese LaMarr DuPree (July 18, 1883 – April 30, 1963) was an American singer, recording artist, promoter and entrepreneur.^[1] He sang the blues and was perhaps the first African-American male to sing and play guitar on a blues record for Okeh Records.^{[2] [3]} He recorded on Victor and Okeh Records.^[4]

Biography

DuPree was born July 18, 1883, in Bibb County, Georgia, on a cotton plantation near to Macon, Georgia. He started singing in church and left the plantation around 13 trying his hand at several jobs. Around 1900 he moved to New York City. After winning an amateur competition at the Miner's Bowery Theatre he quit his job and started touring the cities' various amateur competitions. His music professors came from Scotland, England, France and America.

He performed in concerts across the country from New York City to San Bernardino, California.^[5]

He is in the movie Turkey in the Straw.^[1] In 1932, he performed with a chicken that he taught to sing, which was reported around the world.^[1]

DuPree was a promoter of African-American artists and gained much recognition and was honored by the people of Macon and other Middle Georgians.^[6] As a promoter, he faced competition from Savoy Attractions.^[7] He was described as both internationally famous^[8] and national-known promoter and presented such acts as Jimmie Lunceford.^[9]

He was added to Asbury Park's Boardwalk Hall of Fame in 2018.^[10]

Songs

• "Long Ago Blues" — (OKeh 1923) Vocalist, baritone, composer, lyricist
• "O Saroo Saroo" — (OKeh 1923) Vocalist, baritone
• "Norfolk Blues" — (OKeh 1924) Vocalist, baritone^[11]
• "One More Rounder Gone" — (OKeh #8127 - 1924) Vocalist, baritone, songwriter
• "Here's To Your Absent Brothers" — (OKeh 1924) Vocalist, baritone^[12]
• "Mammy's Coo Coo" — (OKeh 1924) Vocalist, baritone
• "Shortnin' Bread" — (Victor 1927) Composer
• "Heav'n, heav'n" — (OKeh 1928) Vocalist, baritone
• "Were You There?" — (OKeh 1928) Vocalist, baritone
• "I Got a Home in-a Dat Rock" — (Victor 1929) Vocalist, baritone

Further reading

• "Springwood Avenue Harmony: The Unique Musical Legacy of Asbury Park’s West Side, Volume 1, 1871 – 1945" by Charles and Pamela Horner

Notes and References

1. Web site: Reese DuPree, Music Entrepreneur – Asbury Park Museum. Ap-museum.org.
2. Web site: Du Pree, Reese - Discography of American Historical Recordings. Adp.library.ucsb.edu.
3. News: First male African-American blues record . 31 January 2023 . The Record . 18 February 2022 . W14.
4. Web site: 'One Voice is Not Enough' exhibit uncovers the musical diversity of Asbury Park. App.com.
5. News: Reese Dupree, Negro Baritone, to Appear in Concert at Auditorium . 31 January 2023 . The San Bernardino County Sun . 25 March 1928 . 6.
6. News: To Be Honored by Home-Town On 40th Music Anniversary . 31 January 2023 . The Macon Telegraph . 28 September 1941 . 1.
7. Web site: Billboard. July 27, 1946. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.. Google Books.
8. News: Jimmie Lunceford, Guest Artist For 'Pal' Reese Dupree's Fete . 31 January 2023 . The Macon Telegraph . 21 September 1941 . 1.
9. News: Reese Dupree Bows His 42nd Year to Music Patrons on Tour With Jimmie Lunceford . 31 January 2023 . The Macon News . 28 February 1943 . 25.
10. Web site: Asbury Angels Inductees Named. The Coaster Editorial. Staff. October 3, 2018.
11. Web site: Du Pree, Reese [WorldCat Identities]]. Worldcat.org.
12. Web site: Reese du Pree. Adp.library.ucsb.edu .