Sissieretta Jones: "The Greatest Singer of Her Race," 1868-1933

2: West Indies and South American Tours

: 14 : 8 2 West Indies and South American Tours As Sissieretta boarded the steamer Athos in New York with her husband to begin their journey on 2 August 1888 to Kingston, Jamaica, she likely wondered what to expect of her upcoming tour as the star of the Tennessee Jubilee Singers. She had never ventured too far from the East Coast of the United States and was probably traveling by ship for the first time. Neither had the twenty-year-old vocalist ever been on an extended tour, especially as the prima donna of the company. What she was about to encounter would have been a bit overwhelming for most young people, but Sissieretta proved to enjoy the limelight and benefit from her many experiences. She got a taste of what was to come when the company landed in Jamaica on 10 August 1888 and prepared for their first concert, which took place the following evening at the Theatre Royal. The concert hall was packed and included many prominent citizens. Before the troupe’s arrival in Jamaica, publicity about the concerts appeared in newspaper pieces designed to motivate people to come and see the choral singers. The audience was thrilled with the concert, although it apparently lasted too long, with eighteen numbers on the program and numerous encores. Sissieretta sang “The Night Birds Cooing” during the first part of the program and opened the second half with the descriptive song “The Ship on Fire,” by Henry Russell. Reviewers noted her great voice, precise enunciation, and powerful delivery of “The Ship on Fire.” Two days later Sissieretta and company performed again and received “enthusiastic ” reviews. This time she sang “Magnetic Waltz Song” and “Marguerite’s Farewell,” as well as repeating “The Ship on Fire.” One of her encore selections was “Home, Sweet Home.” In describing that particular number, one reviewer said, “Mdme. Jones created a genuine feeling of pleasure and pensive sadness in the large and sympathetic audience . . . by the sweet and expressive rendering of the well-remembered tones.”1 Not only did Sissieretta and company receive high praise in the local Jamaican press, but her successes 15 : West Indies and South American Tours were also noticed back in America as well. The New York Times reported on 27 August 1888 that “Mathilda Jones, whom Mr. Matthews advertises as his ‘black Patti,’ astonished the natives with her singing, and she is being lionized wherever she appears.”2 The Tennessee Jubilee Singers stayed on the island of Jamaica until 22 October 1888. They sang concerts and benefit concerts in Kingston and toured the 4,450-square-mile British island several times, performing at small inland towns during their ten-week stay. In a newspaper interview in the Indianapolis Freeman (13 July 1889), Will Pierce, the group’s tenor, described some of the travel difficulties the company faced while getting from one island town to another: It would have amused you to have seen us riding from Kingston to New Castle on small mules. Well you would have burst your sides had you have noticed “Lew” Brown and myself hitching our mules together and then trying to drag Miss Jones’ and Miss Brown’s behind us. But the funny thing was at St. Ann’s Bay, our manager had a guarantee for a packed house to play at the court house. He sent Mr. Jones in advance with the advertising, the distance was fifteen miles, and Mr. Jones had often boasted of his superb horsemanship. He started on a two-year-old filly, which had not been broken to saddle. He had been gone about two hours when we discovered him coming back leading the horse, covered with mud from head to foot. The horse had evidently been trying to ride Mr. Jones.3 The Tennessee Jubilee Singers prepared to leave Kingston on 22 October 1888 and sail to Panama on the steamer Medway. Shortly before they left, several members of the cast were presented with gifts. Sissieretta and Katie Johnson were each given a gold medal, and Will Pierce was given a silver medal. John Wolford received a silver watch, and Hattie Brown received a necklace and pendant. After singing several songs for those gathered at the wharf to see them off, the company sailed for Panama, a Colombian province, where they arrived two days later.4 Pierce said the company’s first stop was in the city of Aspinwall, located on the Atlantic side of the Isthmus of Panama...