Sophie Tucker was born Sonya Kalish on January 13, 1886, in Tulchin, Ukraine, then part of the Russian Empire. Several months after her birth, her family immigrated to the United States and later settled in Hartford, Connecticut.
Sophie Tucker, widely known as the “Last of the Red Hot Mamas,” was one of the most iconic entertainers of the early 20th century, renowned for her bold stage presence, powerful contralto voice, and pioneering contributions to vaudeville and popular music. Her career spanned decades, from the early days of vaudeville in New York to Hollywood films, radio, and a celebrated recording career. Tucker earned her moniker due to her brash, unapologetic humour, her risqué songs, and her ability to break taboos with style and charisma. She was celebrated for her larger-than-life personality and became a symbol of confidence and empowerment for women in entertainment.
Tucker’s relationship with the UK, particularly the North West of England, was significant. She frequently performed in Blackpool, a vibrant hub for variety acts, which was a key stop for international stars like her. The town’s theatres and music halls, including the famous Winter Gardens and the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, regularly featured Sophie Tucker’s performances, where her comedic timing and commanding voice thrilled British audiences. Her success in Blackpool further solidified her status as one of the most beloved entertainers of the era.
In the 1950s, after decades in the limelight, Tucker settled in Cleveleys, a small coastal town just north of Blackpool. Here, she sought a quieter life away from the stage but remained connected to her British fans. Her move to Cleveleys marks a less public but significant chapter in her life, where she enjoyed the peace of the seaside while still maintaining ties to the entertainment world. Though she no longer performed regularly, her legacy as the “Last of the Red Hot Mamas” persisted, as she remained an influential figure in the history of both American and British entertainment.
Sophie Tucker’s time in Cleveleys, though brief, underscores her enduring connection to the North West of England, a place that had long embraced her unique blend of humour and song. It also highlighted the latter years of a performer whose career had once revolutionised entertainment for women, making her a truly iconic figure whose legacy continues to be remembered, especially on the fylde coast.
Inset Inset Image: Used for the Harold Fielding Blackpool Opera House programme featuring Sophie Tucker & Ted Shapiro, Summer 1948 with Monia Liter.
Background image: BROADWAY MELODY OF 1938, Sophie Tucker.
