On March 22, 1893, Paul Laurence Dunbar recited during a concert in Dayton by the African American soprano Matilda Sissieretta Jones, known as The Black Patti (comparing her to a famous Italian opera singer named Adelina Patti). Paul was a 20-year-old elevator operator while Jones was a conservatory-trained vocalist who had sung at the White House.
The audience at Association hall last evening enjoyed an unusual musical treat. This woman is certainly wonderful. Her voice is delightfully sweet and strong, and shows thorough cultivation. She has the ability to sing familiar airs, such as "Swanee River," with touching effect. The name (Black Patti) by which she is advertised is well deserved.
"Black Patti." Dayton Daily Journal (Dayton, Ohio). March 23, 1893. Page 4.
Dayton, O., -- A large audience assembled at Association hall last Wednesday evening to hear the celebrated "Black Patti." The circumstances under which the concert was given was very mystifying, but the audience nevertheless was greatly delighted, as she sang herself into the hearts of her hearers. She was assisted by Prof. Arthur Cavendish, tenor soloist; Miss Julia Galloway and Mr. Paul Dunbar, readers.
"Black Patti Sings to a Delighted Audience." The Gazette (Cleveland, Ohio). April 1, 1893. Page 3.
The mystifying circumstances mentioned in the article refer to difficulty Jones had with her tour manager, who abandoned her after a show in Columbus several days earlier.
Columbus, O., March 21. -- The "Black Patti" was billed to give two concerts at the Board of Trade Auditorium. She appeared last night, assisted by some of the best local talent in the city, but the house was distressingly light. After the concert it was found that manager E. S. Jones had disappeared. He had taken the money realized from the sale of tickets and had paid the bills presented so long as the funds lasted, and then left the city to escape embarrassment.
"The 'Black Patti' Stranded at Columbus." The Commercial Gazette (Cincinnati, Ohio). March 22, 1893. Page 2.
Columbus, O., March 21. -- At 3 o'clock this afternoon, it was not known whether the second concert advertised for tonight would take place or not. The Black Patti's private manager, Mr. W. S. Angleman, telegraphed to Dayton -- the place of the next concert -- to raise funds to pay for the rent of the Auditorium tonight, and it is not known what the result will be.
"The Black Patti Manager Said to Have Skipped." The Gazette (Cleveland, Ohio). March 25, 1893. Page 2.
Jones was scheduled to go to Chicago a few months later for the World's Columbian Exposition. Paul spent that summer in Chicago working at the fair, and he read a poem during Colored American Day. Jones was also expected to perform at the event, but she did not appear.
It was hoped that our citizens would have another opportunity of hearing Mme. Sissieretta Jones, the "Black Patti," but so far no arrangement has been made for a return concert. The fact that D. S. Jones, who managed the concerts here, absconded with the receipts of the entertainment in Columbus resulted in no loss to the madame personally, as she received $150 per night and expenses in advance. Her contract with Major Pond, of New York, covers the time during the World's Fair in Chicago, where she will sing in the opera of "Uncle Tom's Cabin," supported by the best colored talent available.
"Items on the Wing: Notes, News and Personals About Colored People." The Enquirer (Cincinnati, Ohio). April 1, 1893. Page 16.
All the singers were highly gifted and cultivated, and pleased the audience so greatly that they were recalled again and again. Manager Charles S. Morris apologized for the absence of Mme. Sissieretta Jones, the "Black Patti," who was engaged to sing, but remained in the East at Asbury Park, because opponents of Colored American Day at the fair had written and misled her and her husband in regard to the good character of the celebration. This was done after her manager, Major Pond, had signed an agreement for her to make three appearances here for the sum of $800, of which $300 was paid by telegraph.
"Honor to their Race." The Inter Ocean (Chicago, Illinois). August 26, 1893. Page 2.
Many years later, after learning of Paul's death, Jones promptly sent condolences to his mother Matilda.
The following messages were received by Mrs. Matilda Dunbar, mother of the colored poet, Sunday and Monday. They were from prominent people all over the country, and showed only too well the high esteem in which the poet was held . . .
"Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in your bereavement." Sissieretta Jones, known to the theatrical world as "The Black Patti."
"A Few of the Tributes Paid." The Dayton Herald (Dayton, Ohio). February 12, 1906. Page 1.