The story of ETHEL WATERS is an American success story. That this woman who came from poverty the likes of which most people could never imagine, even rejected at birth by her own mother, would go on to be the biggest selling recording artist for Columbia Records, nominated for an Oscar, even at one point becoming the highest paid Broadway performer colored or white on the Great White Way is a story of inspiration as well for all that came after her. Ethel Waters was far more complex a personality than the grandmotherly figure that is more often portrayed. She knew rough men and rough language, didn't suffer fools gladly, and yet she was capable of great kindness and generosity. This piece was fifteen years in the making and I don't regret one moment spent in researching and shaping it. I discovered that I really liked this woman. I would have been proud to have known her.