First “Red Hot Momma’ Dies In New York

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30982, 11 February 1966, Page 2

First “Red Hot Momma’ Dies In New York

(N.Z.P.A. Reuter—Copyright)

NEW YORK, Feb. 10. Sophie Tucker, the original “red hot momma,” died in New York tonight aged 78. Miss Tucker was bom in Russia and went to the United States as a baby.

Her title dated from a 1928 appearance at the Palace Theatre in New York. She brought the house down with her closing number, “I’m the Last of the Red Hot Mommas.” In 1922 she paid, her first visit to Britain and conquered the music-halls with her flamboyant old-style vaudeville act. The quiet sentimentalism of numbers like “My Yiddisher Momma” could bring the tears as well. In 1934 she gave a command performance in London before King George V and Queen Mary. She cocked her head towards the Royal box and called "Hi yah. King.” NEEDED NO “MIKE” Blonde, blue-eyed raucousvoiced and built like a battleship, she never needed a microphone.

Only a few months ago she appeared at the Latin Quarter, a plush New York night club. Ablaze with jewels, she would appear under the spotlight and belt out songs. LAST APPEARANCE Her last London appearance was a six-week season at the Talk of the Town in the summer of 1964. She then told a reporter, “I have been coming 43 years. 1 want to keep it up until I’m a hundred.” In October, 1964, for the first time in her 60-year stage Career she was unable to complete an engagement when she was ordered home by her doctor after appearing for only five minutes in a New York night club. But she insisted on returning the next night to carry out two full shows.

She was in hospital in New York for several weeks last October for what was described as an intestinal inflammation. A family spokesman said she had suffered for the last four months from a chronic lung condition and a kidney ailment. SIGNATURE TUNE Her signature tune was “Some of These Days, You’re Going to Miss Me, Honey.” This was also the title she gave to her memoirs published in 1945. During her career, she appeared with the great names of show business, including W. C. Fields, Eddie Cantor, Al .Tolson and Jimmy Durante. She appeared in almost every' medium of entertainment—burlesque, swank night clubs, films and television. She sometimes chafed under the restrictions placed on her by broadcasting. “You can't do this. You can't do that. I couldn’t even say ‘hell’ or ‘damn,’ and nothing, honey, is more expressive than the way I say ‘hell’ or ‘damn’.” Honey Squares—a new recipe that will have wide appeal—will be the “Special” today at ETHNE'S CAKE i SHOP, 125 Cashel street. —Advt.