Women of Color and Other Ethnics involved in Burlesque and Pinups During the 1930s -1950s

[Dutch V]

 

Hello Dolls - I wanted to know if anyone knows about the history of women of color in the burlesque and pinup scenes during 1930s-1950s. I know about and totally respect Miss Josephine Baker - but I would like to know about other ethnic women during that era. I'm working on a historical art project.

Thanks,

Dutch V

[Bunny Moreno]

There were a few Latina actresses who did pin ups like Rita Hayworth whose real name was Margarita Carmen Cansino-she did a really famous one on a bed..totally gorgeous. Some other women of color were Lena Horne, Olga San Juan...there are more. Heres what I found for the 1940's http://www.listal.com/list/pinups-1940s and for the 1950's
http://www.listal.com/list/pinups-1950s

 

I think that project sounds awesome! Good luck and hope I helped some :)

[The Diversity Pinup Project]

I have a plethora of photos I found online when doing research for inspiration for the Project.  I think PinupMama covered a few of the ones I was going to mention. 

 

A couple other gals you might want to dig some info on:

Eartha Kitt

Carmen Miranda

 

And do a little digging about the history of JET magazine.  They used to feature true pinups back in the day. 

[The Diversity Pinup Project]

There were a few other magazines back then that were dedicated to that genre and to actresses of color.  I'll have to dig up what I found before.

[The Trousseau]

Lena Horne-- not burlesque, but I am sure her pictures were posted all over the walls of auto shops. 

 

Check out The Forbidden City and The Cotton Club

 

Also, Tura Santana and interesting story

[Dutch V]

Omg!!!! Thanks so much ladies!!!!! You Dolls ROCK!!!!!

[Heather Storm]

Check out Nina Mae McKinney ... she was one of the first black movie stars who went on to become a cabaret star and she was so pin-up! 

 

http://mulattodiaries.wordpress.com/2009/06/11/nina-mae-mckinney/

 

It's such an important door to open - in my study of pin-up in American History - there is so little ethnic presence and it's only in the 1950-60's that we see the emergence of women of color.  The first black woman in Playboy - wasn't a photograph - but a Vargas girl illustration!!   Would love to see the pics of your finished project!! xoxoxo

[The Diversity Pinup Project]

I stumbled on this link:  http://softfilm.blogspot.com

It's referencing Asian actresses from the '20s to the '70s.  Check out info on Anna May Wong (she was VERY controversial for her time due to Hollywood casting her in roles as a Latina, Arabic, etc.) and Noel Toy who was a fan dancer at Forbidden City nightclub. 

[The Diversity Pinup Project]

There is something so Veronica Lake about this one!  Gorgeousness!

[Lottie Delight]

You could also check out  Lottie "the body" Graves  and Toni Elling who were both very big in the burlesque world.