Vintage Black Burlesque in a Rare Photograph True Burlesque

Today Black Burlesque is having a revival, thankfully…as women of color are virtually excluded from standard histories of the peeling industry.  There were pioneers, of course (See my tribute to forgotten photographer Lonnie Simmons HERE) but original photographs taken during actual shows are scarce indeed.  The snapshot here turned up on the West coast, but there is no way to tell where it came from.  I am just glad it exists.  Juke Joint Jive!


Jim Linderman also wrote Secret History of the Black Pinup: Women of Color from Pinup to Porn.

Original Amateur Snapshot, circa 1950 Collection Jim Linderman