I've known about Ms. Bentley for some thirty years or more and have a few of her recordings. She was immensely talented and energy charged. She was also very warm and attractive with her glowing smile, and I had never actually seen her in a live film before. This is a gem. Unfortunately, she did not live to old age. Pneumonia brought on by influenza took her away just a few years after this presentation was made, still young at fifty two. A tremendous loss.
She and Groucho are both big inspirations for me, with Gladys giving me courage to be out and proud about my sexuality and Groucho helping me to not be afraid to speak my mind.
the fact that there's no footage of Gladys singing and playing piano in the nightclubs with the backup dancers during her prime is such an extreme travesty
Hats off to Groucho for highlighting and promoting black talent in the 1930s with Ivy Anderson and The Lindy Hoppers - which was very unusual for the time when African Americans were rarely sympathetically portrayed, and now the wonderful Gladys Bentley.
Saw this lady's story on Facebook and read where she was featured in a NYT article. Her talent is certainly undeniable. A shame that she isn't widely known, having died way back in 1960. Truly makes you see that African Americans have always brought style and talent to the table throughout history, where straight, gay, unknown or unsung. So much history and talent in this clip.
She killed them keys on the piano and her voice is insane. So little effort, her mouth was barely moving at times but she was doing this crazy vibrato. This was recommended by Pocket when I opened my browser.
Yes, Groucho, I'm THEE Gladys Bentley. Allow me to knock your fucking socks off with 1 of my 500 or so greatest hits. Keep up, if you can, with my undeniable raw energy and talent (proceeds to leave Groucho in the dust)
Reading from a library book I rented as part of a personal challenge for Pride Month 2023 - just read a piece on Gladys Bentley. What a treasure! LGBT+ POC, we have always been here. Much love ~ ❤
NYT Overlooked...THANK YOU! I have never heard of this lady. Wow what a natural, undeniable force! I love watching the African man. He starts out thinking ‘OMG...look at this lady’ then he starts twirling around, and Groucho joins in. Hahaha!
I only read about her today, the article was so intriguing about her & career. Wow! It mentioned her appearing on You Bet Your Life & I had to see for myself. Wow, Again!!❤❤
This is actually insane like playing piano like that? Just absolutely amazing and her voice is just as great. Just found out about her and I wish there were more recordings or wished she had lived longer to make more. Some of them are hard to hear her voice bc of the recording equipment they had😅
@@ladderup6584 Huge star in the 20s - for everyone - but you're right that she got muffled quite a bit later on. Lotta bright lights got forced into the closet back then.
Horace Griffin Humor was different back then. Calm down. Talk you your Grand Parent or Great-Parent about it if you're able as these relatives are a rare gift and a true Blessing to have in your life let alone to be lucky to have them leading into your adulthood. I have one left and she is 93. Thank The Lord and Praise in Jesus' Name...Amen!
I mentioned this in another reply but he did know. It was a common tactic on quiz shows and other things to pretend no one knew someone and then be "surprised" by the guest. This happens in singing talent shows today as well, where we are treated to narratives of guests that "shock" the judges but the producers have pre-screened people and already invited them on as participants.
Pretty monumental talent, and her stage patter doesn't even get much of a hearing here. .Not sure too many shows would have let this happen during the 50s. I guess they either never heard of her or figured only Groucho would remember. Stuff like this is why the internet is a godsend, even if you're an atheist.
Realize that he knew what she could do and they had already set it up before the show. The idea was the guests would just "surprisingly" show they had talent but they knew she was a performer when they booked her. If you watch other quiz shows at the time they do the same thing, with the hosts "surprised" at the talent shown.
Hollywood needs to tell Glades Bentley's amazing story! She was a trailblazing black, transgender woman who through her strength and character paved the way for so many others. [Side note: Love how Groucho gave our people a platform -- and love -- when so many others were whitewashing TV and the rest of the world].
Wearing men's clothing a transgender you are not automatically. Back then, I'm sure being butch and femme were very distinct if The movie "If These Walls Could Tslk 2" is accurate.
Yet another amazing person who was criticized for "potentially" being gay (unconfirmed); supposedly because she "flirted" with female participants where she performed and added bawdy lyrics into her songs. Typical of the pre-cursor world of our 21st century, accepting (80%), freedom of choice (dubious) society. A much-missed, unrecognised (since her era) talent, unknown to people nowadays. Iit would be brilliant to see a movie dedicated to her, perhaps portrayed by eg. Queen Latifah
She also cross dressed as well. Not only is she incredibly skilled singer and pianist, she pushed against the gender norms and wasn't afraid to be herself at a time where queer folks of all stripes weren't accepted by mainstream society. A remarkable and inspirational lady.
