The Coeur d'Alene Tribe of Idaho is keeping the legacy of famed jazz singer Mildred Rinker Bailey alive.

The tribe passed a resolution in honor of Bailey, whose Indian heritage was often ignored during the 1920s and 1930s. "She was Native American, but that wasn't OK back then," her niece, singer Julia Rinker Miller, told The Coeur d'Alene Press.

The tribe's actions led the Idaho Legislature to pass a resolution that recognizes Bailey's achievements. Gov. Butch Otter (R) issued a proclamation in April.

"This story, this aspect of the native piece has yet to be unearthed," Miller told the paper.

Get the Story:
All that jazz (The Coeur d'Alene Press 7/3)

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