Leon Bibb, a Tony-nominated actor and folk singer who grew up under segregation, found mainstream favor on the "The Ed Sullivan Show" and sang with Joan Baez and Harry Belafonte on the civil rights trail, has died at 93.
A stirring baritone who learned to sing in church choirs, Bibb made his Broadway debut in 1946 in the chorus of "Annie Get Your Gun," with Ethel Merman. He earned a Tony nomination in 1967 for his performance in "A Hand Is on the Gate," which featured poetry and music by African Americans.
In 1968 Bibb drew attention when he was cast opposite Victoria Mallory, a white actress, in an off-Broadway revival of the musical "Carnival."
It was the first time the show had been presented as an interracial love story.
"People may be attracted to the interracial love in the play," the handsome leading man told the New York Times in 1968. "I don't knock it - but it isn't the most important thing. To cast black actors in roles where they can bring an extra dimension to the story is important."
Bibb, who died Oct. 23 in his adopted hometown of Vancouver, Canada, had been in declining health since a stroke last year, said his daughter, Dorie Clay.