Baby Esther: History

 

Little Esther to Sail
The Chicago Defender
Mar 9, 1929

Believe it or not folks, but is the sum of money Jones of Chicago will get for theatrical.

$750 A Week Her Pay Now
Afro-American
Oct 5, 1929

Miss Esther Jones ten-year-old dancing star who rose from a street dancer four years ago in Chicago to the top rung of child artists. With Ma and Pa as manager, she is touring European capitals on a $750-a-week guarantee. When not earning a living by
dancing, Esther plays with dolls like any normal child.

Little Esther, Child Dancer, Received by Spanish Rulers at Fete Fiven in Madrid
The New York Amsterdam News
Dec 11, 1929

Little Esther, the ten-year-old colored child, who has been astonishing Europe by her marvelous mimicry and dancing, was the principal attraction at a fete given by the King of Spain at the Theatre de la Exposition in honor of the President of Portugal.

About Little Esther
New York Amsterdam News
May 8, 1929

I am very pleased to inform you that the great Little Esther is now under my direction. She has made a great hit here in France.

Insult to U.S.A Child Abroad, Year's Biggest Scandal
Afro-American
Oct 5, 1929

Little Esther, the ten-year-old dancing wonder, accompanied by her mother, Mrs. Jones of Chicago, and her manager Sidney Garner.

Li'l Esther Guest of Spanis King: Ten-Year-Old Girl Dancer Also at Fete Honoring King of Portugal
Afro-American
Dec 14, 1929

Little Esther, the ten-year-old colored child, who has been astonishing Europe by her marvelous mimery and dancing was the principal
attraction at a fete.

Chicago's Little Esther, Now Petted by Royalty, Wins Over Jim Crowism
The Chicago Defender
Aug, 9 1929

Her Twinkling Feet Have the Golden Touch of a 20th Century Midas
Philadelphia Tribune
Oct 3, 1929

Four years ago Little Esther Jones was playing in the streets of Chicago, dancing the "Charleston" for the mere fun she got out of it.

Little Esther Jones Gets a $750 Contract in Europe
Afro-American
Jan 4, 1930

Seven-year-old Esther Jones begins theatrical dates in London, Berlin and Paris, under a $750 per week contract. "Jazzlips" and Baby Cox stop show with the specialities in "Hot Chocolates."

She Makes 'em All Take Notice
Afro-American
Aug 16, 1930

Little Esther Jones, of Chicago, Illinois, the ten-year-old stage prodigy of song and dance fame. She is shown with her Norwegian prize dog during her visit in the land of the "midnight sun." She has been highly distinguished on her continental tour.

Spaniards Like Little Esther: The Diminutive Star Escored by Primo de Rivera at Social Function
The New York Amsterdam News

Little Esther, who has the reputation of being the highest paid child artist in the world, has left Berlin for Oslo, Sweden, where she is to play at the Victor Bernaus Theatre. She will then return to Berlin to open up at the Kabarett do Komiker.

King Gustave of Sweden Welcomes Little Esther
Chicago Defender
July 19, 1930

Little Esther who, who has the reputation of being the highest paid child stage star in the world is making appearances here at the Victor Bernaus theater.

Brazilians Welcomes Little Esther 

Aug 22, 1931
The Chicago Defender

The Brazilian Naval band turned out in full colors in Rio de Janeiro to extend a welcome to Little Esther.

Chicago's Own Li'l Esther Headlines at Leipzig Theater
Chicago Defender
Mar 28, 1931

Little Esther, the dancing marvel of Chicago, continues to create a sensation in Germany.

Little Esther Big Hit in Germany
Mar 21, 1931
Philadelphia Tribune

Little Esther, the dancing marvel of Chicago, continues to create a sensation in Germany, where she has been headlining in many of the leading theatres.

Josephine Baker Greets Esther in Paris Theater
The Chicago Defender
05/31

 Miss Jones of Chicago, and her manager Sydney Garner of New York. 

Theater Notes: Li'l Esther, Dancer, Still Hit in Europe
Afro-American
Jul 12, 1930

Little Esther, who has the reputation of being the highest paid child in the world has left Berlin for Oslo.

Ambassador Congratulates Little Esther After Act
Aug 20, 1931
Philadelphia Tribune

Little Esther, whose dancing and mimicry have delighted European royalty and theatergoers continues her success in South America. In Rio de Janeiro. Buenos Afres. San Paulo.

In The Bucks: Little Esther Plans Tour of S. America! A Sensation in Europe; Plays and Sings Native Songs
Jan 22, 1931
Philadelphia Tribune

Little Esther, the highest paid child performer in the world, will appear here at the Empire Theatre for two weeks during the month of Feburary.

Esther Jones Masters Many Languages
Jan 24, 1931
Paris Bureau of the AFRO

Eleven-year-old child singer scoring in appearances abroad.

Brazilian Navy Band Played For Lil' Esther
Aug 22, 1931
Afro-American

Little Esther, whose dancing and mimicry have delighted European royalty and theatergoers continues her success in South America.

German Theatre Still Raving Over Esther
Mar 28, 1931
Afro-American

Chicago 12-year-old drawing over a thousand a week. Little Esther, the dancing marvel of Chicago, continues to create a sensation in Germany, where she has been headlining in many of the leading theatres.

Chicago's Own Li'l Esther Headlines at Leipzig Theater
Mar 28, 1931
The Chicago Defender

Little Esther, the dancing marvel of Chicago, continues to create a sensation in Germany, where she has been headlining in many of the leading theaters. She is now the big attraction here.

French-Americans on Trial in France
Mar 28, 1931
Afro-American

France Crowns "Jo" Baker and a white girl as Queens. Juvenile Actress Starring Abroad. The front of a German playhouse where Lil' Esther is leading. She has performed in theatres in the largest cities abroad.

Scores Hit

Mar 21, 1931
The Pittsburgh Courier

"Lil Esther" accomplished juvenile entertainer, shown as she sailed across the SS. Leviathan for Paris, where she has scored signal successes in entertaining.

Brazil Greets Little Esther
Jan 2, 1932
The Chicago Defender

Playing at the Winter Garden, this city's leading variety theater, is Little Esther Jones, the marvelous child artist. Little Esther is said to be the highest paid child artist in the world. Her salary is $700 a week. Brazil likes "Little Esther". Representatives of every Brazilian newspaper and press association came to interview "Little Esther".

Uncle Tom Is Not Dead Yet
Jun 3, 1933
Afro-American

Harriet Beecher Stowe's paly revived on Broadway had its first tryout in a bevy of Tospsys. A sequence in one of Lew Loslie's "Blackbirds" in Paris. Baby Esther, clever stage star, who drew in thousands a week in Europe, but is not good enough to play Topsy here.