Skip to main content

To celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, our students will be discussing some prominent Canadian Black musicians who changed the way we listen to and understand music. We're pleased to highlight these musicians on our website and social media, and next up is Salome Bey.

"Salome was a bottomless pit of soul, the best in human values and being willing always to be that rock for those that needed a rock." - Jackie Richardson

1-5058030.jpeg

Salome Bey was born in Newark New Jersey in 1933. Salome formed a jazz trio with her sister Geraldine and her brother Andy, and became successful jazz performers under the name Andy and the Bey Sisters. After playing local clubs they had their first major breakthrough touring Europe. Their tour was originally scheduled for only a few weeks, but their act was such a hit the tour was extended to 16 months.

Salome Bey settled in Toronto in 1964, where she performed in jazz clubs and got her start in musical theatre. She performed in major productions on and off Broadway, including “Justine”, “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope”, and “Your Arms Too Short to Box With God”, for which she won a Tony award and a Grammy.

In 1978, Bey returned to the stage in Toronto with Indigo, a cabaret she wrote and starred in about the evolution of the blues. Indigo was a huge hit, and was considered a watershed moment for Black representation in the Toronto theatre scene. Bey followed up on its success with Shimmytime, about the singer and actress Ethel Waters, and Madame Gertrude, about the blues singer Ma Rainey.

Ms. Bey was a devoted parent, who took a great interest in children. Inspired by a conversation with her older daughter, the singer/performance artist Jacintha Tuku Matthews, Bey developed a musical for children, Rainboworld, which was eventually filmed for CBC television. The production had a cast of more than forty children, including her younger daughter, who now performs as the singer SATE, and Juno-award winning R&B singer Deborah Cox.

Salome Bey was an important figure in Canada’s music history. She became known as “Canada’s First Lady of the Blues”, and mentored many younger performers and arts workers through her theatre productions. In 2004 Bey began showing signs of dementia, and was forced to give up performing in 2011. She died in 2020, and is survived by her two daughters and her adopted son Marcus. In 2005 Salome was recognized for her success when she was named a member of the order of Canada:

"Over the past four decades, Salome Bey has displayed a multiplicity of talents that reveal the true depth of her artistry. As a singer, actress and songwriter, she has made an impact on Canada’s music scene that will resonate for generations to come. Her unique style and distinctive voice are her hallmarks. She is known for her graceful interpretations of timeless blues, gospel, pop, and rhythm classics, as well as for her original compositions. Equally inspiring as a mentor, she encourages young artists to follow their dreams with her special blend of sage advice and passion for her craft." - Official Citation, Office of Governor General Michaëlle Jean, Nov. 17, 2005