Tucker, Sophie, 1884-1966
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=falseFound in 21 Collections and/or Records:
Kantrowitz, Gussie_1968, Oral History, October, 1968
Katz, Louis Y., 1918 - 1977
Katz, Louis_1977, Oral History, February 14, 1977
Subjects covered during interview include: Family history in Lituania, Work, Marriage (Ethel), theater (some topics not found in incomplete transcript).
Family history in Hartford/Mass area, Sophie Tucker, his time as an entertainer at various society functions in CT and up and down te eastern seaboard.
Katz family all related-at times unclear how. See Katz Family Tree for more information.
Katz, Louis_1977, Oral History, March 23, 1977
Subjects covered during interview include:
Continuation, about entertainment side career as well as some of his other jobs, Katz Family, Involvement in Organizations/Jewish Community.
Explains some of the material found in the Louis Y. Katz people file.
Sophie with Abuzas and Kantrowitz children on porch, 1920s
All images of Sophie Tucker at Ocean Beach, Late 1920s. Top to bottom, left to right: Maid, Henry Abuza, Mrs. Abuza, Sophie (Abuza) Tucker with Kantrowitz children.
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