Black History Fact of the Day: Betty boop was inspired by a black woman. Esther Jones
Betty Boop was black???? This was total news to me! And yes I fact checked and found the New York Times article dating back to the 1934 lawsuit and court case. You can find that link here!
The Scoop Boop De Boop
Esther Jones was a child star and traveled around the world entertaining crowds at night clubs. Esther had a very distinctive sound and trademark showmanship which included eyebrow raises and quick eye ball girations! (I am laughing at that description, but just check out the video below and you will understand what I mean.)
Meet Helen Kane – The Betty Boopy Dupe
Helen Kane was a struggling jazz singer who’s career was fading until one night she decided to add “Boop boop a doop” to her performance. It was a hit. But she failed to mention that she stole this trademark and her overall sound from black jazz singer that she was inspired by (clears throat… copied) by the name of Esther Jones. Helen would have probably totally gotten away with stealing Esther’s sound and trademark gestures but she became greedy when the creator of Betty Boop made tremendous money off of “her” style so she sued Max Fleischer, the creator and Paramount.
Esther Jones the Real Bety Boop
As Esther Jones grew into womanhood she became much more curvy much like the transition from the cute puppy figure and more like Betty Boops new more modern figure. Critics argue that Max Fleischer, like Helen, was also inspired by Esther Jones and had created Betty Boop based on the image and characteristics of Esther Jones.
Meanwhile Helen Kane began to build momentum in her Jazz career and continued to copy Esther’s style. Helen claimed that the Betty Boop character was based on “her” stage qualities and continued to omit Esther from her storyline. As Betty Boop grew more famous, Helen became more furious at the monetary success of Betty Boop and worked to get a portion of the profit.
The Truth – Opp Be Doop
After several court cases the court ruled in favor of Esther Jones and Helen Kane would be discredited as being the inspiration for Betty Boop.
Eventually, the truth came out and credit was given for the inspiration of Betty Boop to jazz Singer Esther “Baby” Jones. Unfortunately, Esther Jones would pass away unexpectedly and never live to receive credit or financial gains.
For more Black History Facts, please check out my other blog posts at chanteamcintyre.com/blackhistory
Resource Links
Orginal New York Times Article
https://hermoments.com/s/the-real-betty-boop-scandal?as=799&asv=1&bdk=0
