<P> Ethel Waters ( October 31 , 1896 -- September 1 , 1977 ) was an American singer and actress . Waters frequently performed jazz , big band , and pop music , on the Broadway stage and in concerts , but she began her career in the 1920s singing blues . Waters notable recordings include `` Dinah '' , `` Stormy Weather '' , `` Taking a Chance on Love '' , `` Heat Wave '' , `` Supper Time '' , `` Am I Blue ? '' , `` Cabin in the Sky '' , `` I 'm Coming Virginia '' , and her version of the spiritual `` His Eye Is on the Sparrow '' . Waters was the second African American , after Hattie McDaniel , to be nominated for an Academy Award . She was also the first African - American woman to be nominated for an Emmy Award , in 1962 . </P>
<P> Ethel Waters ( October 31 , 1896 -- September 1 , 1977 ) was an American singer and actress . Waters frequently performed jazz , big band , and pop music , on the Broadway stage and in concerts , but she began her career in the 1920s singing blues . Waters notable recordings include `` Dinah '' , `` Stormy Weather '' , `` Taking a Chance on Love '' , `` Heat Wave '' , `` Supper Time '' , `` Am I Blue ? '' , `` Cabin in the Sky '' , `` I 'm Coming Virginia '' , and her version of the spiritual `` His Eye Is on the Sparrow '' . Waters was the second African American , after Hattie McDaniel , to be nominated for an Academy Award . She was also the first African - American woman to be nominated for an Emmy Award , in 1962 . </P>
which blues singer is best remembered for her recording of stormy weather
which blues singer is best remembered for her recording of stormy weather
Ethel Waters
Ethel Waters