Which of the following statements about T.D. Rice is false?

The statement regarding T.D. Rice that is considered false is that he was the first African-American minstrel performer. While T.D. Rice was a significant figure in the development of minstrel shows and is often credited with popularizing the character "Jim Crow," he was actually a white performer who blackened his face as part of his act.

Rice's impact on American music and performance was profound, as he helped to bring minstrel shows into mainstream entertainment during the 19th century. His character "Jim Crow" became a cultural symbol that embodied both racial stereotypes and the practice of blackface performance. T.D. Rice is often recognized for his contributions to American popular music, but the framing of him as an African-American performer is historically inaccurate; rather, he was a white artist who used racial caricatures for entertainment.

In comparison, the other statements about Rice are accurate. He did export American music through his performances, his "Jim Crow" character did serve to mock American elites, and the song "Jim Crow" has its roots in Irish folk music, showcasing the blend of cultural influences that were prevalent in the minstrel shows of that era.