Tucker, Sophie, 1884-1966

Person

Biographical Note

Parents: Charles and Jennie Abuza Sister: Anna Abuza Aronson Brothers: Philip Abuza, Moses Abuza

Sophie Tucker (1884-1966) known as the “Last of the Red Hot Mamas” was a popular vaudeville performer during the early and mid twentieth century. Her humorous, slightly bawdy renditions of Yiddish and English songs captivated large audiences on the stage, radio, and television. Although less well-known today in her own right, Tucker provided the inspiration for comedian Bette Middler’s stage persona and performance style.

Tucker was born Sonia/Sophie Kalish in Russia and grew up in Hartford from the age of three months. While traveling to the United States by ship, her father changed the family name to “Abuza.” Sophie’s musical career was launched when she began singing for customers in her parents’ kosher restaurant. After marrying Louis Tuck in 1903, Sophie changed her name to “Tucker.” She had one son, Burt, born in 1906, shortly before she divorced husband Louis.

Sophie left for New York as a very young woman, leaving her son in the care of her family. Her career began slowly, but she eventually became a noted celebrity. Although she never saw herself as an iconoclast, today Sophie Tucker is regarded as a daring female pioneer in the entertainment field.

During World War II copies of Tucker’s recordings of “My Yiddishe Momme” were destroyed by the Nazi in an effort to wipe out any traces of nostalgia for Jewish culture.

Tucker never forgot her Hartford roots and frequently performed for local charity benefits. She was particularly loyal to the Hebrew Home, of which her mother was a founder.

Citation:

https://books.google.com/books?id=uwqe5WiQyEQC&pg=PA138&lpg=PA138&dq=anna+aronson+auburn&source=bl&ots=vZqC79z0An&sig=__mxOllHUtbsguZVlI6563MIHXY&hl=en&sa=X&ei=QAJBVcCpCfX8sATrj4DIAQ&ved=0CDQQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=Anna&f=false

Found in 6 Collections and/or Records:

Handler, Morris / Maurice, 1990 - 2002

File — Folder 3

Scope and Contents This file contained a biographical info sheet from a 1997 oral history interview, a packet from the JHSGH 30 years celebration with a summary of Handler's accomplishments, as well as the transcript of an Oral History interview conducted in 1990.1990 Interview covers prohibition/prostitution in Jewish Hartford, discussion of various businesses including I. Finklestein's (Cheap John) clothing store, and a walking tour with reflections of what used to be in the area/his...

Dates: 1990 - 2002

Found in: Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford / Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford People files / Files: H - Ke

Handler, Morris [Maurice]_1990, Oral History

Digital Record

Identifier: handler, morris [maurice]_1990

Dates: March 14, 1990

Found in: Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford

Handler, Morris [Maurice]_1990, Oral History, March 14, 1990

File — Flat_file_folder 3

Scope and Contents

Interview covers prohibition/prostitution in Jewish Hartford, discussion of various businesses including I. Finklestein's (Cheap John) clothing store, and a walking tour with reflections of what used to be in the area/his childhood.

Dates: March 14, 1990

Found in: Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford / Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford Oral History Collection / SERIES 1: Interview recordings and transcripts / 1990

Katz, Louis Y., 1918 - 1977

File — Folder 3

Scope and Contents The majority of this file contains information concernin the variety of entertainment events that Louis Katz participated in, often in the role of MC. While he was most known for his entertainment, his official profession was the opperation of the cafeteria in the Kolodney building on Capital Ave for nearly three decades. The file primarily contains newspaper articles and clippings about these events, various lettes of correspondence, and several programs/posters for events he participated...

Dates: 1918 - 1977

Found in: Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford / Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford People files / Files: H - Ke

Katz, Louis_1977, Oral History

Digital Record

Identifier: katz, louis_1977/03/23

Dates: March 23, 1977

Found in: Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford

Katz, Louis_1977, Oral History, March 23, 1977

Item — Box 8, Box: unknown container

Identifier: 149