Billy Emmett was born in New York City, in 1844; he died in Chicago, June 4, 1886.
McKee and Rogers joined forces in the Fall of 1871, and during the first years of their co-partnership played the principal variety houses and specialty companies of their day.
Their first joint appearance was in St. Louis, Mo., where they gave their original song and dance “Rebecca Jane;” with it they were ever after identified, as well as “Mischief,” “Lucinda” and several others.
About 1874 they went to London, England, where they played a most successful engagement with Moore and Burgess’ Minstrels.
On their return to the United States in 1875, they joined Tony Pastor’s road company, and continued with it until the death of Rogers.
Stevie Rogers, or “Little Stevie,” as he was generally called, was one of the most lovable characters in minstrelsy. As a clog dancer he was second to none in his day.
His first professional appearance was with the 50 Engineer Pontoon Minstrels, September 5, 1865; this company in the spring of the following year was known as Sam Hague’s and Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels. With that company he had a partner by the name of John O’Brien.
Stevie Rogers’ success was so pronounced that he quickly obtained a metropolitan engagement with Charley White.
Subsequently he was with Kelly and Leon’s in New York, and Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y.
In 1870 he joined Manning’s Minstrels, and on August 21, 1871, he opened with the Dearborn Minstrels in Chicago. About this time he met Andy McKee, and the rest has been told.