Sophie Kalish to Sophie Tucker -- Her Hometown Remembers
"Sophie Tucker rose from the streets of Hartford to become one of the most famous singing stars in the world, but she never forgot her hometown. Now her hometown is remembering her.
Tucker's remarkable career, which brought her fame on Broadway, in Hollywood and overseas, is celebrated in "Hartford Remembers: Sophie Tucker, The Last Red Hot Mama," an exhibit opening tonight at the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford.
"More than anything, the exhibit is designed to shine light on Tucker's life. There are rare photographs, bits of sheet music, recordings as well as Tucker's old banjo and evidence of her close ties to Hartford and the surrounding communities.
"'All of us who worked on this became mesmerized and enchanted with her,' says Estelle Kafer, the society's executive director. 'I had heard of her, but I don't think I ever knew about her persona. I've come away with an appreciation and admiration for her and with a desire to share this with people. I think it's so important that people learn about her.'"
