Mae Mercer

Mae Mercer (June 12, 1932 – October 29, 2008) was a notable American blues vocalist and actress. She was born in the Temperance Hall area of Edgecombe County, North Carolina, where she spent her early years until the age of 15.

In the 1960s, Mercer relocated to Paris, where she spent eight years performing at the Blues Club, a venue owned by publisher Maurice Girodias, and touring across Europe. She later became the owner and operator of her own blues club in the city.

Returning to the United States in the early 1970s, Mercer transitioned to a career in acting, making appearances in various films and television shows. Her film credits included roles in Dirty Harry (1971), The Beguiled (1971), Frogs (1972), Cindy (1978), and Pretty Baby (1978). Additionally, she co-produced the documentary Angela Davis: Portrait of a Revolutionary (1972).

In 1996, Mae Mercer was honored when Fred Turnage, the Mayor of Rocky Mount, NC, proclaimed June 12 as Mae Mercer Day. During this period, she aimed to create her own biographical film through her company, Black Owl Productions, with support from local pastor Reverend James Bullock. Filming for the project was planned to take place in Edgecombe County, as well as in locations across North Carolina, New York, Paris, and Southern California.