John Hodges (July 28, 1821 [1] – April 23, 1891); known as Cool White, was an American blackface minstrel entertainer, who wrote or popularized the song " Buffalo Gals", published by him in 1844 under the title "Lubly Fan". There is some dispute as to whether he composed the tune or adapted a traditional air. [2]
Hodges's stage name was "Cool White". He debuted in Pennsylvania in 1838, at the Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia [2] [3] and specialized in "dandy" roles: in 1842 he was a particular hit as a character called "Fancy Cool" in Silas S. Steele's Philadelphia Assurance. In 1843 he organized the Virginia Serenaders and later a troupe called the Sable Melodists. [1] He later performed as a 'Shakespearian clown' with Spalding and Rogers Circus. [1] From about 1855-59 he appeared with Sam Sanford's Minstrels in Philadelphia. [1] In the 1860s and 1870s he appeared in New York. [4] [5]
In 1879 he also acted the straight role of Uncle Tom in a stage version of the famous anti-slavery melodrama. [1]
By 1887 White appears to have retired from performance, becoming stage manager for Hooley's Theatre in Chicago. [6] He was also instrumental in founding the Chicago Lodge, 3, of B. P. O. Elks. [3]
He died in Chicago on April 23, 1891. [3]