Maude Rutherford; Sang, Danced in Black Theater

Maude Russell Rutherford, 104, a singer and dancer in the early days of black theater who introduced the Charleston to Broadway in 1922. Known as the Slim Princess, Rutherford worked with Josephine Baker, Pearl Bailey and Fats Waller in the glory days of black theater in the 1920s. She was usually a featured performer in the chorus line, known as a soubrette, and a popular attraction at Harlem’s Cotton Club. She led the chorus line in the Charleston in 1922 in a show called “Liza,” an all-black revue with lyrics and music by Maceo Pinkard. The dance became a rage the following year when it was performed in “Runnin’ Wild,” which is usually credited as the show that brought the Charleston to Broadway. Rutherford also appeared in “Dixie to Broadway,” “Keep Shufflin’ ” and “Chocolate Scandals.” After leaving show business in the 1950s, she moved to Atlantic City and worked as a hotel switchboard operator. On March 8 at her home in Atlantic City.