Real name: Etta Moten Barnett

Etta Moten (born November 5, 1901, Weimar, Texas, USA - died January 2, 2004, Chicago, Illinois, USA) was an African-American actress and contralto vocalist, who was identified with her signature role of "Bess" in Porgy and Bess. She created new roles for African-American women on stage and screen. After her performing career, Barnett was active in Chicago as a major philanthropist and civic activist, raising funds for and supporting cultural, social and church institutions.