Exploring the history of female impersonators on the Avenue

June 08, 2025

Celebrate Pride month by looking back at the history of female impersonators and drag queens on the Avenue. 

Indiana Avenue is known for its legendary nightclubs and historic legacy of jazz, blues and R&B music. The Avenue was also home to a lesser known, but equally vibrant tradition, the art of female impersonation. From the 1930s through the 1950s, Avenue clubs welcomed performers who defied gender norms and social expectations. These artists, known then as “female impersonators,” were more than novelty acts; they were skilled entertainers and cultural trailblazers. 

Names including Doris Duchess White and Candy Laverne appeared on marquees alongside jazz greats like Slide Hampton and Jimmy Coe. Their performances dazzled audiences, yet despite their popularity, female impersonators rarely had the opportunity to record, and audio recordings of their work are difficult to find. 

Listen to rare recordings featuring the work of female impersonators connected to the Avenue scene, along with interviews featuring Avenue artists who worked alongside these artists.