J. Homer Tutt(1882-1951)

Homer Tutt and his brother Salem Tutt Whitney were vaudevillians who traveled the country singing, dancing and performing in all venues. They started out in their home town of Logansport, Indiana singing and dancing for pennies. After the family moved to Indianapolis, both brothers went to work to help their widowed mother, but soon went out on the road. They appeared with the S. H. Dudley "Smart Set Company" from 1904 to 1906, and then with the Black Patti Troubadors from 1906 to 1908. In 1908, the brothers organized "The Southern Smart Set Company" and traveled the country for several years with the troupe. A number of Black actors, including James Baskette and blues singer Mamie Smith,appeared in those productions. Settling in New York City after 1928, Homer Tutt appeared on Broadway in "The Green Pastures" and "Deep Harlem".