Sophie Tucker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sophie Tucker
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Tucker in 1930
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| Born |
Sofia Kalish
January 13, 1886 Tulchyn, Podolia Governorate Russian Empire
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| Died | February 9, 1966 (aged 80) Manhattan, New York, United States
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| Other names |
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| Occupation | |
| Years active | 1903–1965 |
| Spouse(s) |
Louis Tuck
(m. 1903; div. 1913)Frank Westphal
(m. 1917; div. 1920)Al Lackey
(m. 1928; div. 1934) |
| Children | 1 |
Sophie Tucker (born Sofia Kalish; January 13, 1886 – February 9, 1966) was a famous American singer, comedian, and actress. She was also a radio personality. People knew her for her strong voice and funny songs. She was one of the most popular entertainers in the United States during the first half of the 1900s. Her nickname was "The Last of the Red-Hot Mamas," which meant she had a lot of energy and a bold, exciting style.
Contents
Early Life and Family Beginnings
Sophie Tucker was born Sofia Kalish in 1886. Her family was Jewish and lived in Tulchyn, which was part of the Russian Empire (now Ukraine). In 1887, her family moved to Boston, USA. They later settled in Hartford, Connecticut, where they opened a restaurant.
How Sophie Started Singing
From a young age, Sophie loved to sing. She would sing at her parents' restaurant for tips. She remembered standing by the door and singing with great feeling. She said her songs often made people emotional.
In 1903, when she was about 17, Sophie married Louis Tuck. She later used his last name, Tuck, for her stage name. In 1905, she had a son named Albert. Soon after, Sophie and Louis separated. Sophie moved to New York City to start her singing career. She left her son with her family and sent money home to support them.
Sophie Tucker's Amazing Career
After moving to New York, Sophie looked for work as a singer. She sang in cafés and beer gardens. She earned money by singing for customers. Most of her earnings went back home to her family in Connecticut.
Becoming a Stage Star
In 1907, Sophie performed on stage for the first time at an amateur night. At first, some people thought her size might be a problem. But Sophie used her unique style to her advantage. She even joked about being a "fat girl" in her songs, like "I Don't Want to Get Thin."
In 1909, Sophie performed with the famous Ziegfeld Follies. She was a big hit! Two years later, she released her popular song "Some of These Days." This song's title was later used for her biography in 1945.
In 1921, Sophie hired Ted Shapiro as her pianist and music director. He wrote many songs for her and often performed with her on stage. They would joke and talk between songs. Sophie also became friends with jazz singers like Mamie Smith and Ethel Waters. She learned from them and helped introduce jazz music to many audiences.
In 1925, Sophie became known for the song "My Yiddishe Momme." This song was very special to her and popular with Jewish audiences. Sophie said you didn't have to be Jewish to be touched by the song. It was even banned in Nazi Germany.
Growing Popularity and Fame
By the 1920s, Sophie Tucker was famous in Europe too. In 1926, she performed for King George V and Queen Mary in London. She re-released "Some of These Days," and it became a number one hit, selling over a million copies.
Sophie saw the decline of vaudeville, a popular type of stage entertainment. She performed in the very last show at a famous theater called the Palace in New York City. She wanted to show the audience that even though things were changing, there was still hope for the future.
In 1929, Sophie appeared in her first movie, Honky Tonk. In the 1930s, her shows often brought back memories of earlier times.
Leading Actors and Radio Shows
In 1938, Sophie Tucker was chosen as the president of the American Federation of Actors. This was a union for performers, especially those in vaudeville and nightclubs. The union later faced some problems, but Sophie was not involved in them.
From 1938 to 1939, Sophie had her own radio show called The Roi Tan Program with Sophie Tucker. She also appeared as a guest on many other radio shows. In the 1950s and early 1960s, she became known as "The First Lady of Show Business." She made many appearances on popular TV shows like The Ed Sullivan Show and The Tonight Show.
Sophie continued to perform throughout her life. In 1962, she performed for the Royal Variety Performance in England. Her last TV appearance was on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1965. She sang some of her most famous songs, including "Some of These Days."
Sophie's Personal Life
Sophie Tucker was married three times. Her first marriage was to Louis Tuck in 1903. They had one son, Albert. After they separated, Sophie left Albert with her family. Her son was raised by her aunt, Annie, who Sophie was very close to. Sophie and Louis divorced in 1913.
Her second marriage was to Frank Westphal (1917–1920), who was her accompanist. Her third marriage was to Al Lackey (1928–1934), her manager. Both of these marriages also ended in divorce, and she did not have more children. Sophie felt that being very independent made it hard for her marriages to last.
Sophie Tucker passed away on February 9, 1966, at the age of 80. She continued to perform almost until her death. She is buried in Emanuel Cemetery in Wethersfield, Connecticut.
Sophie Tucker's Works
Theatre Performances
- Louisiana Lou (1911–1912)
- Earl Carroll's Vanities of 1924 (1924)
- Leave It to Me! (1938)
- High Kickers (1941–1942)
Movies
- Honky Tonk (1929)
- Gay Love (1934)
- Broadway Melody of 1938 (1937)
- Thoroughbreds Don't Cry (1937)
- Follow the Boys (1944)
- Sensations of 1945 (1944)
- The Joker Is Wild (1957)
Radio Shows
- The Roi Tan Program with Sophie Tucker (1938–1939)
- Desert Island Discs, BBC radio (1963)
Recordings
- "Life Begins at Forty" (1937)
- "Some of These Days" (1911, re-released 1926)
Sophie's Influence on Others
Sophie Tucker's funny and singing styles inspired many female entertainers who came after her. These include famous stars like Mae West, Carol Channing, Joan Rivers, and Bette Midler. Bette Midler even included Sophie Tucker as one of her characters on stage.
Sophie also learned from other performers. Clarice Vance, a singer from the early 1900s, influenced Sophie's later singing style. Clarice was known for her unique way of talking and singing, which Sophie later used as her voice changed.
Sophie Tucker's Legacy
Sophie Tucker is still remembered today. She is mentioned in the song "Roxie" from the musical Chicago. She was also a main inspiration for the character Matron "Mama" Morton in that musical.
A popular music show called Sophie Tucker: The Last of the Red Hot Mamas celebrates her life and songs. A documentary about her, The Outrageous Sophie Tucker, was made in 2014.
Even The Beatles mentioned Sophie Tucker! In 1963, Paul McCartney introduced a song by saying it was recorded by "our favorite American group, Sophie Tucker." This shows how well-known and loved she was.
Images for kids
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Tucker in 1952
See also
In Spanish: Sophie Tucker para niños
