Showgirls of Yesterday

Showgirls & Drag Performers of Yesterday

Photos from Vicki Rene’s original “Showgirls of Yesterday.” Browse photos of drag performers and female impersonators from the early days.

As Vicki Rene said, “These are the ladies that have done all the work, laid the ground rules down. These are the ones that were there before us, the ones I will not let be forgotten!”

Some cropping of photos may appear in the thumbnails below. Click any image to open the full size photo in a new window. You may then click your browser’s back arrow to return to the main photo gallery, or use the “Previous” and “Next” navigation links to browse all photos.

13 thoughts on “Showgirls of Yesterday”

  1. Does anyone know of Jerry Clayton who was an MC at Finnochio’s in the 1940’s? He also produced most of the shows there at the time and seemed pretty popular, yet I can’t find anything on him.

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  2. This site is such a gift.As a teenager i saw the Jewel Box review in Syracuse,n.y. A few years later i styled wigs for the talented Robin Rogers.Robin had a vocal range that was unbelievable.The beautiful and talented Mal Michels was a favorite of mine.I saw her headline at the Apollo theatre. As a trans woman these beautiful pioneers were my role models. So grateful to have seen the JBR in its glory days.

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  3. As teenager went to corner store to see different magazines, especially enamored by Female Mimics, Female Impersonators, etc. Fantasized I was them and performing. Now as adult trans woman, on hormones for several years, able to buy my own clothes, lingerie and be own ‘drag’ queen, but more as a woman.

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  4. Great site, I managed a couple of drag bars in the west end of London in the 80s/90s, does anyone know what became of the wonderful Ri-tal from the 50 bar and JoJo’s?

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  7. I notice Gigi (Anne) Lawrence is not listed. He worked at the Club 82 in the early 60’s. I would love to know what became of him. I danced at the Club 82 and in the Jewel Box Revue as a “male” dancer. All of these guys were talented; some of them were as (or even more) talented than household name stars. It has to be remembered they were all pre-hormone shots and danced as well as sang using their own voices.

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    • I lived with Tish who was the M.C. at the Moroccan Village in the 60s. Frankie Quinn from 82 Club and Tish were very close. Frankie passed away some years ago but Tish is still going strong at 92 and hangs out with Adrian who worked the 82 Club in the 60s. They might remember your friend.

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  8. Kandi Delight was a beloved performer in both Dallas & Houston, honing her craft in New Orleans in the early days. A true burlesque queen. So nice to see her remembered here.

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  9. I’ve been trying so hard to locate Vickie Lynn. he was a very dear friend of mine back in the fifties.I’ll be so grateful if someone can help me. thank you.

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  10. Although not a dresser myself, i do love t/girls,they have everything a man wants. and the ladies on this page look so nice, it started a stirring in my loins.Please ladies keep dressing you all look gorgeous. lots of love Jim. i would love to hear some replies thanks jimxxxx

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