Thomas Dartmouth "Daddy" Rice (May, 1808 - September 16, 1860), was a comedian and the creator of the blackface form of comedy of the 1800s and early 1900s.
His act included the song and dance "Jump Jim Crow" which would be later give its name to "Jim Crow" segregation laws in the southern United States.
Mr. Rice's brand of performance would later be recognized as a form of racism although it also inadvertently opened the door for black performers.
References
- http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Estates/1390/oldnews.htm
- http://www.geometry.net/nobel/passy_frederic_page_no_2.php