Sophie Tucker

(1884-1966) Singer and comedienne, one of the most popular entertainers in America during the first two-thirds of the 20th century. She was born Sonia Kalish to a Jewish family in Tsarist Russia. Her family emigrated to the United States when she was an infant, and settled in Hartford, Connecticut. She made a name for herself in a style that was known at the time as a "Coon Shouter", performing African American influenced songs. Also appeared in numerous popular films, including Broadway Melody of 1938 ***She came to South Africa in 1962 and played at the Colosseum.