Singer, Entertainer. Born William Boone Daniels in Jacksonville, Florida, he was the first African American to host a network TV variety program. In 1952, "The Billy Daniels Show" premiered on ABC. He began his career in the 1930s, as the featured vocalist with the Erskine Hawkins Band and was the first entertainer to sign a long term contract to appear in Las Vegas. Signed to Mercury Records, his version of "That Old Black Magic" is reputed to have sold in excess of 12 million copies. He later became a Broadway actor, co-starring in "Golden Boy" with Sammy Davis, Jr. for 568 performances in 1964 and also appeared with Pearl Bailey in a revival of "Hello, Dolly!" in 1975. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Singer, Entertainer. Born William Boone Daniels in Jacksonville, Florida, he was the first African American to host a network TV variety program. In 1952, "The Billy Daniels Show" premiered on ABC. He began his career in the 1930s, as the featured vocalist with the Erskine Hawkins Band and was the first entertainer to sign a long term contract to appear in Las Vegas. Signed to Mercury Records, his version of "That Old Black Magic" is reputed to have sold in excess of 12 million copies. He later became a Broadway actor, co-starring in "Golden Boy" with Sammy Davis, Jr. for 568 performances in 1964 and also appeared with Pearl Bailey in a revival of "Hello, Dolly!" in 1975. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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