Sophie Tucker

Biography

Biography Sophia (or Sonia) Kalish-Abuza was born January 13, 1884 in transit between Russia and Poland. By the age of 10 she was already a singing waitress in her father's cafe in Hartford, Connecticut. In 1906 she moved to New York City to work at waitressing, then in burlesque, vaudeville and cabaret. Through an early marriage (the first of three), she acquired the name of "Tuck" which she later modified into the name "Tucker." She played a small part in the Ziegfeld Follies of 1909, which paved the way for more substantial exposure. In 1911 she made her first recordings, including her signature number, Some of these days. By the 1920s she had already proclaimed herself "the last of the red hot mamas" and frequently sung songs of a risqué nature.

In 1929 Sophie Tucker made her movie debut in the film Honky Tonk. She appeared in several more films up through 1944, as well as in various stage shows, cabarets, and on tour. Through television appearances in her later years such as the Ed Sullivan Show, she was able to maintain her stage presence, trading in the risqué songs for those commenting and reflecting on the nature of old age and youthful spirit.

Sophie Tucker died in New York City on February 9, 1966.

From the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Music Division