The Muse brothers had an extraordinary career. Their story, as two Black albino brothers from Roanoke, Virginia, is remarkable even in the unusual realm of freaks and sideshows. Initially exploited, they later gained recognition for their unintentional contribution to civil rights.
Born in the 1890s, the brothers were scouted by sideshow agents and kidnapped in 1899 by bounty hunters working for an unknown sideshow promoter. Due to the rarity of Black albinos, they were seen as a highly profitable attraction. They were deceitfully informed that their mother had died and that they would never return home.
The brothers began touring, and to enhance their already distinctive appearance, their handler encouraged them to grow long white dreadlocks. In 1922, showman Al G. Barnes introduced them to audiences as White Ecuadorian cannibals named Eko and Iko. When that gimmick failed to draw crowds, they were rebranded as the ‘Sheep-Headed Men’ and later, in 1923, as the ‘Ambassadors from Mars.’
As the ‘Men from Mars,’ the brothers traveled extensively with the Barnes circus. Unfortunately, while they were provided with food, housing, and training in playing the mandolin, they were not compensated.
In the mid-1920s, the Muse brothers toured with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. In 1927, while visiting their hometown, their mother finally located them. She fought to free her sons, nearly 20 years after their abduction, threatening legal action until they were released.
The brothers filed a lawsuit for their unpaid wages, initially demanding a total of $100,000. However, as time passed, they began to miss the crowds, attention, and opportunities that the sideshow offered. Their lawyer negotiated a smaller lump-sum payment along with a substantial contract that provided a flat monthly salary. The pair returned to show business in 1928.
During their first season back, they performed at Madison Square Garden, attracting over 10,000 spectators to each show. They earned significant money as their new contract allowed them to sell their own merchandise and retain all profits. In the 1930s, they toured Europe, Asia, and Australia, performing for royals and dignitaries, including the Queen of England. In 1937, they rejoined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus for several years, ultimately concluding their careers in 1961 with the Clyde Beatty Circus.
The brothers returned to their hometown and lived together in a house they had originally purchased for their mother. Neither brother married, though they were known for their many extravagant courtships.
George Mud passed away in 1971, and many anticipated that Willie would soon follow. However, Willie continued to play his mandolin and enjoy the company of friends and family until his death on Good Friday in 2001, at the age of 108.
