Willa Mae Buckner - The Snake Lady

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African - Americans have contributed immensely to shaping American history, but most of the time the oppressors try to cover that hefty contribution with slavery. One main contribution of African- Americas that has helped change America's entertainment industry is music.

Willa Mae Bucknor with her snake around her neck
Willa Mae Bucknor with her snake around her neck

There are a lot of black pioneers in music that have graced the mics and helped shape the American music industry as it is today. One such pioneer is Willa Mae Buckner.

Willa Mae Buckner


Willa Mae Buckner with her guitar
Willa Mae Buckner with her guitar

Willa Mae Buckner was born on June 15th, 1922 in Augusta, Georgia. She was a touring performer, and was popularly known as “The Wild Enchantress,” “Princess Ejo,” “The Snake Lady,” and “The World’s Only Black Gypsy.” Her tent show performances were one of the most captivating, creepiest, and most amazing which thrilled many fans who attends her shows.

Her debut track was recorded by Music Maker and she was also featured in the documentary "Living the Blue". Music Maker also helped her to secure many shows in New York and North Carolina. Willa Mae was indeed a true performer who was talented in different entertainment fields. 

Wila Mae with her snake around her head
Willa Mae with her snake around her head

The songstress really showcased herself as a blues singer, burlesque stripper, erotic dancer, contortionist, and first black fire swallower. She also operated a traveling snake show. According to sources she was self-educated and very articulate. She ran out of home at the age of 13 years to join an all-black tent show. 

She was one of the few performers who performed with a live snake around her waist, neck, or on her head. In 1973 she moved to Winston-Salem and was a public transit bus driver for ten years, At 75, Buckner lives in her own home with two pythons over 15 feet long named Siam and Pepe.

Willa Mae was featured in the book Music Makers: Portraits and Songs from the Roots of America (2004). Willa Mae received financial assistance from Music Maker with utility bills, food for her snake, and prescription medicine. The foundation took good care of her in her final days until her death at the age of 77 on 8, January 2000.



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