Payton performed as an actor in several films and stage productions. With
Noble Sissle, Payton co-wrote and performed in
Chocolate Dandies, a 1924 film that launched the career of
Josephine Baker. Chocolate Dandies, The : "New Musical Comedy" by Noble Sissle and Lew Payton. Music and lyrics by Noble Sissle and Eubie Blake. Produced at the Colonial Theatre in Boston, the film also featured
Eubie Blake and
Amanda Randolph.[3]
Writing
In 1937, Payton authored "Did Adam Sin? and Other Stories of Negro Life in Comedy-Drama and Sketches."[4] As a member of "Black Hollywood," Payton wrote the book as an attempt to teach other African-Americans the art of screenwriting.[5]
Film and stage productions
The Chocolate Dandies (September 1, 1924 – November 22, 1924) as "Mose Washington" [6]
Harlem (February 20, 1929 – May 1929) as "Pa Williams" [7]
The Boundary Line (February 5, 1930 – Mar 1930) as "Elbert"[8]
Solid South (October 14, 1930 – Nov 1930) as "Jasper"[9]
Never No More (January 7, 1932 – Jan 1932) as "Deacon"[10]
Bridal Wise (May 30, 1932 – Sep 1932) as "Tom"[11]
Did Adam Sin? (1936), a stage production written by Payton and performed by the Chicago Negro Unit of the
Federal Theatre Project from 1936 to 1939.[15]
Payton died on May 27, 1945, in Los Angeles, California, USA.[24]
Discography
Lew Payton – A Musical Autobiography Of Louis Armstrong 1923–1925 album art All The Wrongs You've Done Me (They're Bound To Come Back To You) (as Ley Payton) Satchmo (2) – A Musical Autobiography Of Louis Armstrong 1923–1925; 4 versions Decca (1959)[25]