Sophie Tucker (1884–1966,) born Sofia Kalish, also Sophie Abuza, nickname “The Last of the Red-Hot Mamas,” was a Russian-born American singer, comedian, actress, and radio personality. She was a pioneering performer in more ways than one, and her career comprised American burlesque, vaudeville, and English music hall appearances.
Born in Tulchyn, Podolia Governorate Russian Empire, Sophie Kalish grew up in Boston and Hartford, Connecticut. After successful amateur appearances, she started her professional career in 1906 when she opened a blackface act at the old Music Hall in New York City. In 1909, she appeared with the Ziegfeld Follies.
A pioneering performer in many ways, Tucker was known for her powerful powerhouse vocal style and splendid delivery of comical and risqué songs. She fused minstrel music, ragtime, and Jewish cantorial inflections. In addition to performing live for over 30 years, Tucker appeared in such films as Honky Tonk (1929,) Broadway Melody (1937,) and Follow the Boys (1944.) Her autobiography is Some of These Days (1945.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Sophie Tucker
From birth to age 18, a girl needs good parents, from 18 to 35 she needs good looks, from 35 to 55 she needs a good personality, and from 55 on she needs cash.
—Sophie Tucker
Topics: Women, Money
Keep breathing.
—Sophie Tucker
Topics: Simple Living, Success & Failure, Success, Simplicity
I’ve been rich and I’ve been poor. Rich is better.
—Sophie Tucker
Topics: Money
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