Sophie Tucker

Stars

Actress | Singer Born Jan. 13, 1884 in Tulchyn, Ukraine

Brassy voiced entertainer Sophie Tucker billed herself as "The Last of the Red-Hot Mamas."

Entertainment came to her at an early age. She was born on the road and never left it. She sang her way all over the world.

During her long career, she would sail into the spotlight, ablaze with jewels, and belt out tunes with the same lusty good nature no matter who was in her audience.

"Hi-ya, King!" she shouted with a jaunty wave toward the royal box as she opened her command performance for King George V and Queen Mary at London's Palladium in 1934.

"Some of these days, you're going to miss me, honey," was Tucker's song. No matter how she altered the lyrics, or her style, audiences always wanted it. The song title, "Some of These Days," became the title of her memoirs, published in 1945.

She sang it for fathers and their sons and their sons. As other stars waxed and waned, Tucker remained a headliner, seemingly indestructible. Her secret of longevity was simple: "Keep breathing."

— Associated Press in the Los Angeles Times Feb. 10, 1966