History of Jessie Coles Grayson in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 18, 2026

Jessie Coles Grayson was an American singer and actress. She gained recognition for her roles in films such as *The Little Foxes* (1941), *Cass Timberlane* (1947), and *Homecoming* (1948). She was mainly known for her performance and singing abilities.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1928: Elected as secretary of the National Association of Colored Women

In 1928, Jessie Coles Grayson was elected as a secretary of the National Association of Colored Women.

1929: Performance as a contralto soloist

In 1929, Jessie Coles Grayson performed at a concert in Seattle and was advertised as "Portland's Famous Contralto". A review in the Northwest Enterprise praised her voice and artistry.

1929: Portland committee member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

In 1929, Jessie Coles Grayson was on the Portland committee of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

1936: President of the Oregon Federated Club Women

In 1936, Jessie Coles Grayson was president of the Oregon Federated Club Women.

1939: First screen role in One Dark Night

In 1939, Jessie Coles Grayson's first screen role was in the all-black film One Dark Night, intended as an African-American version of the Hardy films.

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1941: Cast in The Little Foxes

In 1941, Jessie Coles Grayson was cast in The Little Foxes as Addie. She secured the role after contacting the casting director and impressing them with her voice during a telephone conversation, leading to a successful audition.

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1942: Acted in Syncopation

In 1942, Jessie Coles Grayson played a blues-singing servant in Syncopation. Her role was seen as a more positive representation of African-Americans in Hollywood.

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1943: Outstanding Woman Award

In 1943, Jessie Coles Grayson was recognized for her achievements, leading to her being named "the outstanding woman for 1943" by the Xi Alpha chapter of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority in Pittsburgh in 1944.

1944: Named Outstanding Woman for 1943

In 1944, Jessie Coles Grayson was named as "the outstanding woman for 1943" by the Xi Alpha chapter of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority in Pittsburgh.

1946: Cast in Deep Are the Roots

In 1946, Jessie Grayson was cast as Bella Charles in the touring production of Deep Are the Roots.

1947: Acted in Cass Timberlane

In 1947, Jessie Coles Grayson was known for her role in Cass Timberlane.

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1948: Acted in Homecoming

In 1948, Jessie Coles Grayson was known for her role in Homecoming.

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1948: Role in Cass Timberlane

In 1948, Jessie Coles Grayson's role in Cass Timberlane was considered significant, as she "counsels and listens to Judge [Timberlane] throughout the picture". The character was referred to as 'Mrs.' Higby for the first time on screen.

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