1. Timmie Rogers worked by himself, always dressed well, often wearing a tuxedo, and never wore blackface.
11 Facts About Timmie Rogers
1. 2.
At the age of 12, Timmie Rogers ran away from home and found a job as a dishwasher on a boat, where he learned the languages of the cooks; eventually, he spoke nine.
3.
Timmie Rogers was known as the Unknown Pioneer of Comedy.
4.
Timmie Rogers insisted on not wearing blackface when performing his comedy act and stood firm with his conviction.
5.
Timmie Rogers starred in US television's first black prime-time show Uptown Jubilee on CBS Television in 1949.
6.
Timmie Rogers was a recurring guest star on The Jackie Gleason Show for over 12 years, and would continue to work with Jackie Gleason for the next thirty years.
7.
Timmie Rogers later credited Gleason for giving him national exposure which helped his career.
8.
Timmie Rogers wrote music including "If You Can't Smile and Say Yes", a song recorded by Nat King Cole.
9.
Timmie Rogers wrote songs for Carmen McRae and Sarah Vaughan.
10.
Timmie Rogers's hits included "Back to School Again" and "I Love Ya, I Love Ya, I Love Ya".
11.
On December 17,2006, Timmie Rogers died of undisclosed causes in Los Angeles at the age of 91.