Dating back to the early 1900s, there are so many prominent Black celebrities that have love stories that started in the club. I’ll tell you about those, plus the love story of Harlem Renaissance entertainer Gladys Bentley, who frequently tempted and amused her audience in the many clubs she played in.
Resources
The Famous Lady Lovers: Black Women and Queer Desire before Stonewall by Dr. Cookie Wolner
“Leslie Uggams’ Amazing Love Story: How Her 53-Year Interracial Marriage Defied the Odds” by Nigel Smith
“In My Well of Loneliness’: Gladys Bentley’s Bulldykin’ Blues” by James F. Wilson
“Jewish Rites Were Preceded by Rollicking Stag Party” by Louie Robinson
“Donna Burkett and Manonia Evans”
Articles, Interviews and Reviews from J.T. Gipson: Rock’s Backpages
“Natalie Cole, Lover Break Off Engagement”
“Natalie Cole to Wed Band Member”
“Can Science Eliminate The Third Sex“
“The Great Blues Singer Gladys Bentley Broke All the Rules” by Haleema Shah
“Marriage Equality Pioneer Donna Burkett: ‘That Ain’t Their Business'”
