Sissieretta Jones
"The greatest singer of her race"
1868-1933
Matilda Sissieretta Joyner Jones, the internationally celebrated soprano known as "Black Patti" lived near this site at 7 Wheaton Street until her passing on June 24, 1933.
With 17 medals and a diamond tiara bestowed upon her, she was the highest paid performer of her race and the first African American to perform at Carnegie Hall. For 28 years she toured the world, singing for 75,000 at Madison Square Garden, four U.S. presidents, the German Kaiser, and British Royalty.
She is buried at Grace Church Cemetery, Providence
Erected 2012 by The Rhode Island Black Heritage Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Women. In addition, it is included in the The Rhode Island Black Heritage Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 24, 1933.
Location. 41° 49.751′ N, 71° 24.45′ W. Marker is in Providence, Rhode Island, in Providence County. Marker is at the intersection of Wheaton Street and Pratt Street, on
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. College Hill Historic District (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Court and State House (about 300 feet away); State Arsenal 20th Century Wars Memorial (about 300 feet away); Providence Marine Corps of Artillery (about 300 feet away); The Boys of Adams' Battery "G" (about 300 feet away); The Meeting Street School (about 400 feet away); Congdon Street Baptist Church (about 400 feet away); Shakespeare's Head (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Providence.
Also see . . . Sissieretta Jones Wikipedia. (Submitted on June 8, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 23, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 619 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 8, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
