Born: 12 August 1907, United States
Died: 18 January 1960
Country most active: United States
Also known as: Bobbie Minton
The following bio was written by Emma Rosen, author of On This Day She Made History: 366 Days With Women Who Shaped the World and This Day In Human Ingenuity & Discovery: 366 Days of Scientific Milestones with Women in the Spotlight, and has been republished with permission.
Gladys Alberta Bentley was an American blues singer, pianist, and entertainer during the Harlem Renaissance.
She gained fame at NYC’s Clam House in the 1920s, impressing with her black, lesbian, cross-dressing act. Headlining at Harlem’s Ubangi Club in the early 1930s, she played piano, sang sassy lyrics, and engaged the crowd.
After Prohibition, she moved to California, known as “America’s Greatest Sepia Piano Player.” Facing scrutiny, her Californian music journey was less successful. She later changed, donning dresses and marrying.