Evelyn grew up in New York City in the late 1920s. She was a natural dancer, and the streets shaped her talent. The sights and sounds of the city and the strength of the Black community around her taught her to move her feet.
Evelyn performed in various groups since the age of eight. In 1944, she met Jewel Welch through her agent, who proposed that the two should team up. Evelyn’s rhythmic taps and Welch’s flashy moves were the recipe for stardom.
Their chemistry and charisma were unmatched. The pair would not only tap dance, they would sing and perform bits of comedy in between routines. This was all just the cherry on top of a sweet show for audiences who were starving for something new.
The duo performed throughout the United States and parts of Canada in various clubs and theaters. The pair even headlined at the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem, before ending their career together in 1954.
Salt and Pepper used their childhood pastime as a vessel for joy and entertainment. Liberation work can be serious but those of us who produce joy for our people help alleviate the struggle if even for a little while.