15 Facts About Billy Whitlock

Billy Whitlock began his career in entertainment doing blackface banjo routines in circuses and dime shows, and by 1843 he was well known in New York City.

Billy Whitlock is best known for his role in forming the original minstrel show troupe, the Virginia Minstrels.

Billy Whitlock worked as a typesetter for a religious journal, then went to work for the New York Herald.

Billy Whitlock paired with John Diamond for a time, playing banjo and singing while Diamond danced.

Billy Whitlock partnered with Dan Gardner, who would dress in drag as Billy Whitlock's character "Sambo Squash" made romantic overtures.

Many years later, Billy Whitlock claimed that his Negro impersonations were based on reality.

In early 1843, Billy Whitlock became one of the founding members of the Virginia Minstrels.

Billy Whitlock was the most famous of the foursome, but soon all four names became well known as they toured New York and Boston.

Billy Whitlock's banjo was long-necked and four-stringed, though a fifth was added by 1844.

Billy Whitlock played the instrument by striking the strings with his fingernail.

Billy Whitlock did a "Locomotive Lecture", a predecessor to the stump speech, wherein he feigned a complete lack of knowledge about steam engines and the railroad.

Billy Whitlock wrote some music, as well; his "Miss Lucy Long" became a hit for both the Virginia Minstrels and Christy's Minstrels.

Billy Whitlock returned to New York City with the group's manager, George Wooldridge.

Back in America, Billy Whitlock returned to his circus blackface act.

On July 28,1845, Billy Whitlock joined Emmett, Jerry Bryant's Minstrels, Dan Gardner, and Charles "Charlie" White to form the Operatic Brothers and Sisters.