12 Facts About Pigmeat Markham

Dewey "Pigmeat" Markham was an African American entertainer.

Pigmeat Markham's nickname came from a stage routine, in which he declared himself to be "Sweet Poppa Pigmeat".

Pigmeat Markham was sometimes credited in films as Pigmeat "Alamo" Markham.

Pigmeat Markham is known for his 1968 single "Here Comes the Judge", which is often considered to be the earliest hip hop record.

Pigmeat Markham's family was the most prominent on their street, which came to be called Markham Street in the Hayti District.

Pigmeat Markham began his career in traveling music and burlesque shows.

Pigmeat Markham was a familiar act at New York's famed Apollo Theater where he wore blackface makeup and huge painted white lips, despite complaints the vaudeville tradition was degrading.

Pigmeat Markham would sit at an elevated judge's bench, and deal with a series of comic miscreants.

Archie Campbell later adapted Pigmeat Markham's routine, performing as "Justus O'Peace," on the country version of Laugh-In, Hee Haw, which borrowed heavily from the minstrel show tradition.

Thanks to his Heyeah come da judge routine, which originally was accompanied by music with a funky beat, Pigmeat Markham is regarded as a forerunner of rap.

Pigmeat Markham died of a stroke at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx at the age of 77.

Pigmeat Markham is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in The Bronx, New York City.