Advice to Ed Wood

Don't Touch Me Nylon by The Charmer

Gladys Bentley

I really can't fathom why a black crossdressing Lesbian who made a fortune in Harlem speakeasies of the 20s and married her white girlfriend would be virtually forgotten today. She was pretty doggone entertaining on Groucho's "You Bet Your Life" (video below). You can read her bio here, and hear her early recordings at Honey Where You Been So Long and here.

Tent Show Queens

Music and recognition for "Tent Show Queens", the unsung heroes of drag R & B at BeBop Wino and The Houndblog. Pictured above is Billy Wright, whose flamboyant act laid the groundwork for later artists such as Little Richard (who has named Wright as a major influence).