Red Hot Mama: The Life of Sophie Tucker

FAIN: FZ-250455-16

Lauren Rebecca Sklaroff
University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC 29208-0001)

The first full-length biography of singer, comedian, and entertainer Sophie Tucker (1887-1966), telling the story of her life, her fifty-year career in American show business, and the challenges she posed to conventional views of race, religion, and femininity.

This project is the first in-depth biography of performer Sophie Tucker. While she was a gutsy, racy, song-belting stage performer, her influence extended far beyond the sequins, wigs, and innuendos. She would have been proud to be a reference point for modern comediennes like Bette Midler and Joan Rivers--or to have her signature song, "Some of These Days," appear in the pilot for the hit show, Boardwalk Empire--but her cultural influence goes much deeper. Known among celebrities and audiences as a “Yiddishe Mama,” Tucker worked to create unity among various faiths in her appearances and charity work. Dedicated to social justice, she advocated for African Americans in the entertainment industry and cultivated friendships with leading black activists and performers over her five decade career.

Associated Products

"How One Early 20th Century Performer Defanged Her Fat Shamers," (Article)
Title: "How One Early 20th Century Performer Defanged Her Fat Shamers,"
Author: Lauren Sklaroff
Abstract: Article about Sophie Tucker and the history of fat-shaming
Year: 2018
Primary URL: https://theconversation.com/how-one-early-20th-century-performer-defanged-her-fat-shamers-95623://
Format: Newspaper
Publisher: The Conversation

20th Century American Jewish Stardom: Between Eddie Cantor and Sophie Tucker (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: 20th Century American Jewish Stardom: Between Eddie Cantor and Sophie Tucker
Abstract: Talk about Sophie Tucker and Eddie Cantor in historical context.
Author: Lauren Sklaroff and David Weinstein
Date: 04/11/2018
Location: American Jewish Historical Society
Primary URL: http://ajhs.org/programs

Red Hot Mama: The Life of Sophie Tucker (Book)
Title: Red Hot Mama: The Life of Sophie Tucker
Author: Lauren Rebecca Sklaroff
Year: 2018
Primary URL: https://www.worldcat.org/search?q=1477312366
Primary URL Description: WorldCat entry (1477312366)
Publisher: University of Texas Press
Type: Single author monograph
ISBN: 1477312366

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