Sophie Tucker, superstar singer, showbiz innovator and marketing genius – (imagine the founder of Facebook as a fat, fabulous diva) – called herself “The Last of the Red Hot Mamas!” Tucker was an international sensation with a sixty year career – she headlined in vaudeville and Broadway, sold out nightclubs; recorded songs tailor-made for her lusty persona, and guest starred on television (including the top-rated Ed Sullivan Show). She hung out with movie stars/singers (like Judy Garland, Mae West, and Frank Sinatra – all of whom she mentored), mobsters (like Al Capone, who booked her in his club, as did Lew Walters, father of Barbara Walters) and seven US Presidents. Due to her limited exposure in Hollywood films (she appeared in only two, which flopped), Tucker is almost forgotten today, but the documentary film “The Outrageous Sophie Tucker” (opening July 24 at Cinema Village, New York City) aims to change all that.
Susan & Lloyd Ecker & Dr. Sue
The docu-bio (produced by Susan and Lloyd Ecker and directed by William Gazecki) traces Tucker’s rise from goulash – (a family restaurant in Hartford, CT where a teenage, but already zaftig (plump, curvy) Sophie served kosher food) – to glory! She eloped with a handsome ne’er-do-well named “Tuck” and quickly became pregnant. But she was determined to escape her mother’s fate as a kitchen slave. In a move that was outrageous (especially for an early 20th century Orthodox, Jewish girl), she handed the baby to her sister, changed her name to “Tucker,” and took off for New York City. Considered too “fat and ugly” for show business, she was forced to belt out songs in black face as a vaudeville “coon-shouter.” She hated it, and when her make-up failed to arrive in Chicago, she went onstage as herself, brought the house down, and never looked back.
I asked Eckers to share the secrets of Sophie’s success. “It didn’t hurt that she had a voice that could peel the paint off walls.” But mainly it was that combination of warmth (she personally answered all her mail and wrote cards to her fans telling them when she was going to appear in their town) and business. Sophie said, “Friends and fans = box office.” She was one of the first performers to take a percentage of the gate (during her first number, she counted the seats and made sure she wasn’t cheated). If you wanted her autograph, you bought her book – and she didn’t give change, even for a $50 dollar bill. (She would announce, “It all goes to charity.” In fact, she raised huge sums for her favorite charities, including synagogues.
Rabbi Jill & Dr. Sue
Sophie may have been a rebel, but she became a prominent member of The Actors’ Temple (339 West 47th Street, NYC), which features Tucker’s plaque, stairwell photograph, and stained glass window. I interviewed Rabbi Jill Haus, spiritual leader, cantor/singer, and show business supporter. The Actors’ Temple hosts shows, a Hanukah open mike and performance fests (like Midtown International Theatre Festival). I asked Rabbi Jill to share a story about Sophie. She told me the temple was originally Orthodox, with men downstairs and women in the gallery. A woman who was a big contributor to the temple, sat herself downstairs, and Sophie immediately followed. “The Rabbi was smart, and the synagogue immediately changed from Orthodox to Conservative (with mixed seating).”
Sophie was always ahead of her time – especially when it came to sexy self-assertion – for all genders, sizes, and backgrounds. The soundtrack of “The Outrageous Sophie Tucker” includes her top hits: “I Ain’t Takin’ Orders From No One,” “No One Loves a Fat Girl (But a Fat Girl Knows How to Love),” “The Sophie Tucker School for Red Hot Mamas”, “My Yiddishe Momme” (the heart-tugging, unofficial Jewish anthem), and her signature song “Some of These Days.”
So what are you waiting for? Pep up your life with Sophie serum – movie, soundtrack CD, the Eckers’ fictionalized memoir “I Am Sophie Tucker” (friskier and more fun than the official, sanitized 1945 biography). Susan and Lloyd Eckers’ first date was at a Bette Midler concert (Ms. Midler told her version of bawdy “Soph” jokes and belted out songs a la Tucker.) The Eckers married, built and sold a business, and are living their dream of bringing their favorite broad back to Broadway! Stay tuned at www.sophietucker.com . For press reservations, interview requests, or more information, contact Richard Skipper Celebrates at [email protected] or 845-365-0720.
In the spirit of Sophie Tucker, here’s a a video of my original, funny song: “A Jewish Girl Named Tex”:
“A Jewish Girl Named Tex” by Sue Horowitz
Creative Living by Dr. Sue: Perk up with Positive Songs!
Long before I ever heard of this film, I used to start my day with Sophie’s songs. Her funny, heartfelt, strong assertion of womanhood, sung in clear, jazzy, melodic voice with perfect articulation, always perked me up!
Support the Arts!: Without the arts, many children have no chance for a better, more fulfilling life! Without the arts, there is no real beauty, joy, or civilization!
TRU (Theater Resources Unlimited – www.truonline.org hosts panels and workshops for theater professionals at all stages of their careers. Audiences and Speakers include Producers, Investors, Artists, and Self-Producing Artists (SPA’s – because it’s so relaxing to produce your own show 🙂 ) Panelists include Commercial Broadway Producers: Eric S. Goldman (Entertainment Attorney), Patrick Blake, Van Dean, Jeremy Handelman, Cheryl Wiesenfeld, and James L. Simon. Here are my notes from the panel – with questions:
Why People Invest – How to Pitch and Choose Projects
1. People invest and produce for different reasons, including: profit– everyone hopes to make money, but people may invest for other reasons – relationship to creative team and/or producer, experience – the thrill of being part of a glamour industry, with opening nights, parties, and the chance to mingle with stars, passion for the project – the artistry, message, etc.!
2. Is this show well-crafted? (I had the opportunity to successfully present my musical SSS…WITCH! ssswitch.net as part of the TRU series “How To Write a Musical” – the experience was quite helpful!)
3. Does this show have a selling point? Is it based on a popular property? If so, does the producer and/or writer own the rights? Does it have a celebrity star? Will that star sell tickets?
4. Who is on the production team? Is there a capable general manager? Does it have a realistic budget? (cast size? sets? etc.)
S.A.F.E. – An Acronym for Smart Choices
1. S – What will Sell this Show? A name-brand property? the concept? the celebrity star? the writing team?
2. A – Audience Who is your Target Audience (not “everyone” be specific – and spill over). Do these people go to the theatre?
3. F – Funds How are your investors going to recoup their money – and how long will it take? How many tickets do you have to sell – and how much will it cost to keep that show afloat? (You can make money beyond Broadway in stock and amateur rights. Musicals are more likely to tour than straight plays – and don’t forget licensing – shared by authors and sometimes producers!)
4. E – Environment What is happening in the world and current theater environment? Aim for relevance and avoid repetition.
Producers and Projects need to Match!
Producers choose shows for a several reasons – passion for the subject, love of the artistry, money-making potential, entertainment and fun, etc. Nobody does everything well – or wants to – talent and funding need to match!
The Journey
Most shows don’t open on Broadway. They start in regional theatres, off (and off-off Broadway), festivals (for example, fringe and New York Musical Festival) London’s West End, International Venues, and today’s trend – the movie-cal a slick move from Screen to Stage!
Dr. Sue Sings “You Can Be a Hero”
Hope you enjoy hearing me sing my original song “You Can Be a Hero” from my musical show “Cupid’s Dart” (performed at Theater for the New City)“You Can Be a Hero” copyright 2015 Susan HorowitzCreative Living by Dr. Sue: Do What You Love!
These tips are intended to help you make smart choices. But even if you never make a dime, if you do what you love, you’ll have the time of your life!
Support the Arts!: Without the arts, many children have no chance for a better, more fulfilling life! Without the arts, there is no real beauty, joy, or civilization!
Turn a wedding cake upside down, twirl it like a dreidel, and what have you got? A modern, musical spin on a free-wheeling wedding farce!
This vastly entertaining show has plot twists galore, plenty of doors, discoveries, lover-ies and a superb cast (headed by Tyne Daly), director (David Hyde Pierce), and creative team Barbara Anselmi (Music/Concept), Brian Hargrove (Book/Lyrics).
Show Folk: Harriet Harris, Lisa Howard, Sierra Boggess, David Burtka, Montego Glover, Chip Zien, Josh Grisetti, Edward Hibbert, Adam Heller, Michael X. Martin, Anne L. Nathan, Nick Spangler.
Hope you enjoy hearing me sing my original song:“You Can Be a Hero” copyright 2015 Susan HorowitzCreative Living by Dr. Sue: Ride’em Cowboy (and Girl) & Support the Arts!Ride’em Cowboy (and Girl)!: Comedy and couple-dom are full of unexpected twists. We get a choice – resist and stick with the “shoulda” or go with the ride. Which do you think leads to more happiness?
Support the Arts!: Without the arts, many children have no chance for a better, more fulfilling life! Without the arts, there is no real beauty, joy, or civilization!
We’re “dancing in the street” and on the stage at the annual Dance Parade! The parade route boogies down Broadway to Tompkins Square Park, NYC to celebrate the performing arts and multi-cultural fun!
Web: www.danceparade.org
Dancing divas, colorful costumes, and diversity rule the day in New York City!
Here I am with the beautiful Red Silk Dancers – a Chinese-American Company that performs traditional and contemporary dance. http://redsilkdancers.weebly.com/
Pure Onyx Movement Dr. Sue
Brooklyn is in the house – with Pure Onyx Movement – an American company that celebrates its African/International roots, Belly Dancing, and Inter-Generational Sisterhood!
Director Jeannie Mitchell says, “We breathe together.”
Here I am with Pure Onyx Movement!
Web: http://pureonyxmovement.webs.com/
Navatman Dancers & Dr. Sue
Is Bollywood calling? Navatman is a South Asian Dance and Music Company. The troupe and school is based in New York and trains dancers in traditional Indian performance styles.
Here I am with the Navatman dancers. There are two lovely ladies and two utterly charming children.
Web: www.navatman.org
Dancing Wheels & Dr. Sue
Diversity means more than multi-culturalism. It extends to the differently abled – like members of The Dancing Wheels Company and School.
Director Mary Verdi-Fletcher, may be in a wheelchair, but her passion for dance, vision of possibilities, and sheer capability have created a company and school where thousands of children and adults with and without disabilities study and perform together.
Web: www.dancingwheels.org
Dancing Wheels
“Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for?”
– Robert Browning
(Photos by Jay Berman)
Hope you enjoy hearing me sing my original song: “You Can Be a Hero” copyright 2015 Susan HorowitzCreative Living by Dr. Sue: Support the Arts!
Without the arts, many children have no chance for a better, more fulfilling life! Without the arts, there is no real beauty, joy, or civilization!
How do you say “Happy 115th Birthday” to a legend?
You throw a Birthday Bash Party and Show (April 29, from 7:30 PM until 10 PM at Ballroom Off Fifth (37 West 37th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues).
Duke Ellington’s granddaughter, renowned dancer and choreographer Mercedes Ellington, who is Artistic Director of the Duke Ellington Center, hosts the festivities, with wine, cake,snacks and soft drinks.
Music is by the Eli Yamin Trio. Performing talents include tap dancer Alex Cowings, Ballroom dancers Michael Choi and partner, and Singers Marion Cowings, Antoinette Montague, Viktoria Tocca, Adrienne Haan, Kent Drake and a selected Open Mike. (Tickets are available at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/655165)
Dr Sue Swings – with Duke Ellington!
Pre-party festivities included the annual free jazz concert with dancing in Central Park in front of the Duke Ellington Statue overlooking the Gateway to Harlem — the corner of Fifth Avenue and 110th Street in Manhattan.
This year’s concert showcased outstanding musical and dance talents.
Artists included The Middle School Jazz Academy (MSJA), The Youth Workshop Band from Jazz At Lincoln Center (JALC), the LaGuardia High School Senior Jazz Band, and the multi-Latin Grammy nominated Afro-Cuban Orchestra, conducted by percussionist and Latin bandleader Bobby Sanabria, two swing dance couples and one jazz tap dancer.
Renowned jazz vocalist Antoinette Montague roused the crowd in a gold lame “she-ro” cape and flew us on a musical journey to the jazz greats (Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and of course, the Duke.)
Tony Ponella & Bobby Sanabria Swing the Duke!
Tony Ponella, an up-and-coming singer and finalist in Michael Feinstein contest, contributed his rich vocals and boyish charm.
Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington was the 20th century’s most prolific composer, with over 3,000 compositions – which he called American Music -and he took his band all over the globe.
He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon.
In 1999, Duke Ellington was honored with a Pulitzer Prize.
Duke believed that racial integration was just a stepping stone to a much more important goal: “Human harmony beyond dignity.”
Duke’s April 29 Birthday Bash is a celebration of the life and legacy of real American royalty!
Let’s toast the Duke in champagne, birthday cake, and good fellowship!
Let freedom ring – and swing!
Creative Living:
Celebrate great music – sing, dance, or just tap your feet in the audience. Socialize with positive people. Learn about our great, diverse heritage of popular culture – and don’t forget to have fun!
(Photographer/Editor: Jay Berman)
A Jewish Girl Named Tex – Photo by Russ Weatherford
A song publisher once advised me to write story songs. He said that some of our favorite songs tell stories. Audiences enjoy them, and they’re hard to get!
I love stories, comedy, and writing challenges! I also believe that if you can do something a bit unusual, you have a real advantage, so I was excited about taking a class in comedy songwriting at my favorite songwriting/performance camps (www.Summersongs.com ), and Posi Music Festival at Empowerma.com in Orlando, Florida).
I wound up writing and performing my song “A Jewish Girl Named Tex” in many venues, including Summersongs concerts and New York City cabarets. Please enjoy the video, and read on for a few thoughts about writing story songs and comedy.
Video: “A Jewish Girl Named Tex”
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1. What makes a great story? One of the most important elements is a central character with a strong “want”. Also, when a sympathetic character is unfairly mistreated and/or headed for trouble, we worry and want to know what comes next. In “A Jewish Girl Named Tex” the main character is abandoned by her parents, confused about her identity, and looking for love. Sympathetic? You bet!) The other important character – the impulsive mother – gets used and dumped by a no-goodnik, but she’s still “hopin’ for romance.” What happens? The song takes you on a journey that answers these questions.
2. What makes something funny? Question #1 doesn’t sound funny – but it is, because comedy is rooted in pain – as long as it’s framed as comedy pain and uses comic writing/performing techniques. How do you do that?
To answer that question (plus questions about comic combos like Brooklyn girls and cowboys, song structure, rhyme, punch lines, audience participation, etc) , we need more than a short blog. I invite all writers/performers (amateur and expert) to contact me for workshops in New York City, Online via Email, and at Summersongs.com and Posi Music Festival.
I also invite you to hear me sing romantic songs & parodies in New York City and songwriting camps like Summersongs!
Creative Living:Do What You Love – and Be Part of a Community: I love writing and performing songs. What do you love? Can you find a way to connect (via camps, conferences, meet-up groups, clubs, professional associations, etc.) that supports who you are. Chances are you’ll find more than feedback on your skills – you’ll find friends and community.
(Editor/Photographer: Jay Berman, Videography: Jim Vern)
The annual New York Times Travel Show has something for everyone: from fantasy vacations to a fun afternoon!
You can vacation globally (Asia, Africa, Europe, South America, Antarctica)!
You stay-cation in NYC with a Broadway Show, Dining Certificate & Parking Voucher with ManhattanClub.com
You can spin a wheel and win a deal (a cruise for two) at GetReadyToCruise.com
You can book a cruise or cruise with books with RoadScholar.org , EnrichmentVoyages.org , or SemesteratSea.org (learning & adventure for savvy seniors or college students).
You can time-travel through New York State via ILoveNY.com/PathThroughHistory,.
You can climb-travel in the Himalayas or a fiberglass wall at the Javits Center. (The wall is a good place to drop off the kids – but fasten that safety harness – unless you really want to drop them off!)
You can climb into a bikini at a resort pool… or climb into a martini at a midtown Manhattan bistro…
Sue “Dr. Sue” Horowitz (Vocalist) & Rick Bogart (Clarinet)
Perform Jazz Standards, Romantic Songs & Clever Parodies
Broadway Thai Restaurant 241 West 51st Street (btwn Broadway-8th Ave) NYC
Saturday/Sunday Nights (212) 226-4565, No Cover.
Thai & American Food & Drinks are delicious (and reasonable)
Creative Living:Live Your Vacation Dream – You can’t take it with you – but you can take a plane, train, bus, boat or taxi to wherever you imagine! So as the song goes, “Pack up all your cares and woes…” and go for it!
(Editor/Photographer: Jay Berman)
To gamblers, Atlantic City means blackjack; to HBO viewers, it means Boardwalk Empire. Before there were casinos and cable TV, there were fabulous nightclubs — like the famed Club Harlem, located On Kentucky Avenue a tuneful, dance-fest that celebrates African-American singers, dancers, comics, and the “sepia sweethearts” (showgirls).
Talents include singers Ty Stephens, Cheryl Freeman and Andicka Hall (caught in a love triangle with Stephens, who plays Ivan, the club’s singing emcee) and guest star Jeree Wade, who co-created the show.
Lightening up the love-complications (which never interfere with non-stop singing and costume changes by Stephens and Pearl Williams), is comedian Lee Summers “Slappy Black” (a nod to the real-life Slappy White, who played the club).
Dancers include (alphabetically): Adam Bourque, Donna Clark, Brian Davis, Gergory J. Hanks, Mindy Haywood, Cassandra Palacio and Renee Ternier (Choreography by Ty Stephens) with the Freddie Baxter Orchestra and Frank Owens, Musical Director.
The revue, which has been in development for two and a half years (by Producers Robert R. Blume, Songbirds Unlimited, JR Knauf & Marshall Warner), is now making its debut at Stage 72/The Triad 158 W. 72nd Street, NYC. So shimmy off those winter blues “On Kentucky Avenue.”
Creative Living:Enjoy Live Entertainment! Its easy to be a couch potato, but there’s nothing like the electricity of a live show!
Applaud & Appreciate:! It makes the performer feel good – and clapping and cheering release your own positive hormones! If you really love a performance (or the creativity of the writers, designers, etc.), share your compliments (and maybe your card for their mailing list). Put criticism and suggestions on hold – and only on request. Performing is exciting but vulnerable – so let artists bask in the glow of the show – they’ve earned it!
(Photography: Russ Weatherford)
Dr. Sue shares Love Tips on JCT Radio/TV Show!
What makes a great, creative gift (with or without a high price tag)?
How can you feel loved and appreciated?
What can you do if you don’t get the gift you’ve been hoping for?
Infatuation is exciting – like fireworks – but what can you do if it fades?
How can you give little valentines to keep that love alive – all year long?
Enjoy my Show on JCT Media with Poppa T “The Motivator”
Creative Living:Celebrate Valentine’s Day as Love & Friendship Day! Expand your idea of love beyond erotic romance or a relationship with a significant other. Celebrate your friends, family, even your pets and plants!
Appreciate What’s There: People express love and friendship in different ways. Sometimes it’s the gift or card that’s great – sometimes it’s something else they do – or don’t do. Value the gift – whatever the form.
(Editor/Photographer Jay Berman, Videography: JCT Multimedia)
Susan “Dr. Sue” Horowitz,Ph.D. www.drsue.com 
Sue “Dr. Sue” Horowitz (Vocalist) & Rick Bogart (Clarinet)
Perform Jazz Standards, Romantic Songs & Clever Parodies
Broadway Thai Restaurant 241 West 51st Street (btwn Broadway-8th Ave) NYC
Saturday/Sunday Nights (212) 226-4565, No Cover.
Thai & American Food & Drinks are delicious (and reasonable)
Creative Living:
Live Your Vacation Dream – You can’t take it with you – but you can take a plane, train, bus, boat or taxi to wherever you imagine! So as the song goes, “Pack up all your cares and woes…” and go for it!
(Editor/Photographer: Jay Berman)
