Pigmeat Markham

about

Dewey "Pigmeat" Markham (April 18, 1904 – December 13, 1981) was an American entertainer. Though best known as a comedian, Markham was also a singer, dancer, and actor. His nickname came from a stage routine, in which he declared himself to be "Sweet Poppa Pigmeat." He was sometimes credited in films as David "Pigmeat" Markham. He was born in the community of Hayti, Durham, North Carolina. His family was the most prominent on their street, which came to be called (and later officially named) Markham Street in the Hayti District. Markham began his career in traveling music and burlesque shows. For a time he was a member of Bessie Smith's Traveling Revue in the 1920s. Later, he claimed he originated the Truckin' dance which became nationally popular at the start of the 1930s. In the 1940s he started making film appearances. In 1964 he recorded "Open the Door, Richard". 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. He probably played at the Apollo more frequently than any other performer. Starting in the 1950s Pigmeat Markham began appearing on television, making multiple appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show. His boisterous, indecorous "heyeah (here) come da judge" schtick, which made a mockery of formal courtroom etiquette, became his signature routine. Markham would sit at an elevated judge's bench (often in a black graduation cap-and-gown, t

top songs

albums

Here Come the Judge

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Chess Chartbusters Vol. 4

Chess Pieces: The Very Best Of Chess Records

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The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1967-1968) (Disc 12)

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The Crap-Shootin' Rev

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Mojo Club Vol.9

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The Chess Story

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Jump Blue: Rockin' The Jukes

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Chess Club Rhythm & Soul

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Mojo Club - Dancefloor Jazz 9

A Complete Introduction To Chess

Would The Real Pigmeat Markham Please Sit Down

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