In this episode, Sarah and Drew explore the lives of LGBTQ musicians, starting with Bessie Smith and Josephine Baker. This conversation delves into the life of Bessie Smith, a pioneering blues singer known for her complex personality, turbulent relationships, and significant impact on music and culture. The discussion highlights her rise to fame, struggles with family and marriage, exploration of sexuality, confrontations with racism, and the powerful messages in her lyrics. Bessie's legacy is marked by her boldness and defiance, as well as her tragic end, which left a lasting impression on the music world. This conversation delves into the life and legacy of Josephine Baker, exploring her journey from a poor upbringing in St. Louis to becoming a celebrated performer in Paris. The discussion highlights her struggles with race and identity, her impact on civil rights, and her lasting influence on culture and society. Baker's bold performances and her role as a spy during World War II are also examined, showcasing her multifaceted contributions to art and activism.

Sources

Bessie Smith: The woman who sang the blues

https://youtu.be/o-TqtAIc21M?si=9IPG74mWk3m26y6I

Blues legacies and Black feminism : Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, Bessie Smith, and Billie Holiday

by Anglea Davis (1998)

The Scandalous and Triumphant Life of Josephine Baker.

https://youtu.be/s1lf_Vd4xqw?si=BB5hP5IIQ1B8BQG8

Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening

https://youtu.be/3nHUh_yjLaA?si=-f7J-jFgwc8a30jK

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In this episode of 'These Are the Gays of Our Lives', hosts Sarah and Drew delve into the world of musicians, focusing on lesser-known figures like Sister Rosetta Tharp and the cultural impact of rock and roll icons. They discuss the evolution of media representation, particularly in relation to LGBTQ themes, and reflect on classic comedy's role in shaping societal norms. The conversation also highlights community resistance against censorship and the importance of preserving diverse narratives, culminating in a spotlight on the life and legacy of Dusty Springfield. This conversation delves into the life and career of Dusty Springfield, exploring her early life, struggles with identity, transformation into a music icon, activism, personal challenges, and her eventual comeback. The discussion highlights her unique voice, her impact on music, and the complexities of her personal life, including her relationships and battles with addiction and health issues. This conversation delves into the life and legacy of Billy Preston, a musical genius known for his incredible talent as an organ player and singer. The discussion covers his early beginnings, rise to fame, collaborations with iconic artists, struggles with trauma and substance abuse, and his eventual downfall. The hosts reflect on the impact of his music and the challenges he faced throughout his life, culminating in his posthumous recognition in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Sources:

Dusty Springfield

Just Dusty: https://youtu.be/FwqzaHEh2_4?si=QJVIbcZfO2TLJ4ob

Unsung: Billy Preston

https://youtu.be/9PLKhfu4PfU?si=zsZDAfb4Z_4BOlgk

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Drew and Sarah BOTH tell the story of legendary actor Cary Grant. Grant was married 5 times (to women) but had a long time relationship with a fellow actor. His extreme good looks and unique sense of humor made him a leading man in Hollywood for decades. He always seemed to struggle with love until he had his daughter late in life.
Sources:
The Hollywood Collection: Cary Grant: The Leading Man
Cary Grant and Randolph Scott’s Hollywood Story: “Our Souls Did Touch” | Vanity Fair, January 18, 2024.

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Sarah and Drew continue with stories of vintage Hollywood and talk about the ladies who loved the ladies. These two women were powerful and held sway over their counterparts in Hollywood. Each made enormous contributions to the film industry. Their love lives were complicated and often full of more drama than on the silver screen.
Sources:
The Sewing Circle by Axel Madsen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDYd2cMcc-U
https://youtu.be/cF1np7Yjcas?si=mXJbVIGqhYCdRvQV
Barbara Stanwyck: Straight down the line | The Hollywood Collection

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In this episode of 'These Are The Gays of Our Lives', Drew and Sarah explore the stories of LGBTQ figures, focusing on the legacy of Prince, the campy nature of Batman films, and recent positive developments for the LGBTQ community. They also share surprising experiences from Kansas City, highlighting its unexpected inclusivity and representation. This conversation delves into the life and activism of Bayard Rustin, a key figure in the civil rights movement. The speakers discuss Rustin's early life, his philosophy of nonviolence, his significant contributions to the March on Washington, and the challenges he faced due to his sexual orientation. They highlight his legacy as a courageous activist who fought for social justice and equality, emphasizing the importance of his work in the context of both civil rights and LGBTQ history. This conversation delves into the life of Nell Carter, exploring her tragic childhood, rise to fame, struggles with addiction, personal relationships, health crises, and her legacy. The discussion highlights the complexities of her character, her impact on television, and the challenges she faced throughout her life, ultimately painting a portrait of a talented yet troubled individual.

Sources:

E True Hollywood Story : Nell Carter

Brother Outsider: The life of BYard Rustin. 2003.

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