Altonell Hines

Altonell Hines Matthews (1905–August 6, 1977) was an African-American mezzo-soprano opera singer whose Broadway career spanned from 1934 to 1952. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, she earned a bachelor's degree from Livingstone College and later a master's degree in early-childhood education from Columbia University. She married opera singer Edward Matthews, though she performed professionally under her maiden name.

Hines originated the role of The Commère in the 1934 Broadway production of Four Saints in Three Acts, a credit that placed her among the show's original cast. Her husband appeared in the same production as St. Ignatius. Nearly two decades later, both Hines and Matthews reprised their respective roles in the 1952 revival of the work. A recording of Four Saints in Three Acts was released in 1947 on RCA (68163).

The following year, in 1935, Hines joined the original cast of Porgy and Bess, performing as a member of the Catfish Row residents chorus. Matthews also appeared in that production, playing the fisherman Jake. Beyond her stage work, Hines toured with Eva Jessye's Radio and Concert Choir. She died on August 6, 1977, at her home in New York City.