Encyclopedia Dubuque
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BEACH, Bobby
BEACH, Bobby. (Anin W. Gardner). (Rome, NY--Watertown, WI, Dec. 1, 1905). A partner of Otis BOWERS, Beach created BEACH AND BOWERS, one of the most popular minstrel acts of the late nineteenth century. Both performers wore black face.
Beach entered the entertainment business at the age of fifteen. He began with a contortion act and later developed into a fine dancer. In 1881 he joined Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West's Minstrels. The following year he formed the partnership with Bowers.
Beach was seriously injured in a pedestal act.
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Source:
Rice, Edward LeRoy. Monarchs of Minstrelsy, from "Daddy" Rice to Date. Kenny Publishing Company, 1911, p. 267
