This is my blog where I write about music, jewelry, and myself. Vaudeville, burlesque, blues, jazz, songs about baltimore, novelties, and whatever else I feel like posting. Mostly from my own LPs and 78s. Subscribe via any of the methods in the right-hand column. Please do not link directly to the mp3 files.

A few weeks ago I read this book:



"No Applause- Just Throw Money: The Book That Made Vaudeville Famous" by Trav S.D.

I can't recommend it enough, especially to readers of this blog. It revived my interest in Vaudeville, educated me quite a bit, and riled me up over the timeless tale of corporate takeover of entertainment.

Before Vaudeville was of much interest to me there was Mae West. I believe the second book I read about Mae was "Becoming Mae West" by Emily Wortis Leider. In reading this book I became intrigued by a Vaudeville superstar influence on Mae that kept popping up: Eva Tanguay. In the words of Trav S.D.: "She was crazy." She's basically like... the queen of Vaudeville. I've read tidbits about her, seen a lot of photos where she looks weird and/or unattractive, and as with Lillian Russell, I've always hoped to hear her for myself. Thanks again to "They Stopped The Show," I can. Now, if only there were some footage..

I Don't Care
Eva Tanguay
from "They Stopped The Show" Audio Rarities compilation 1969

the gang's all here

P.S. Speaking of books about Mae, I absolutely loved "Mae West: It Ain't No Sin" by Simon Louvish. It's my new favorite Mae Biography. Louvish is a good writer, he had access to newly released documents, he focuses on the early years and Mae West the writer. Good stuff.

Labels: books, mae west, vaudeville

Posted by: Kara Mae 4/22/2008