Episode #9: Ada "Bricktop" Smith (Show Notes)

Discovering Bricktop’s story was like flipping through a yearbook belonging to the most popular girl on campus; everybody knew her. When a young Jelly Roll Morton couldn't decide if he should take-up pimping or piano-playing, she advised that he could do both! When Duke Ellington was playing small-time clubs in D.C., Bricktop secured his first gig in New York City. And when Josephine Baker rocketed to stardom overnight, Bricktop showed her the ropes.

Episode #9: Ada "Bricktop" Smith

F. Scott Fitzgerald said his real claim to fame was not penning “This Side of Paradise” or “The Great Gatsby,” but rather discovering Bricktop before Cole Porter. Tune-in to discover more about Ada “Bricktop” Smith, “Cabaret Queen of Paris and Rome.”

History Mystery Game: Ready, Set, Guess!

Okay bitches, I've posted five clues about our upcoming podcast subject. Now, it’s time to make your guess! But, what’s a game without a prize? So, the first person to correctly guess our History Bitch wins a copy of Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris.” You'll get a peek into the scene where our mystery gal reigned supreme; not to mention, it features other great History Bitches like Zelda Fitzgerald, Josephine Baker, Alice B. Toklas, and Gertrude Stein! To enter, head over to Facebook and reply to the contest post. I'll announce the winner on Monday when I release the podcast! Good luck!

History Mystery Game: Clue #5

Martin Luther King, Jr., accompanied by wife Coretta Scott King,
after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

In 1964, African-American Civil Rights trailblazer Martin Luther King, Jr. received the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway. While in Europe, he asked to meet our celebrated History Bitch. King declared her, “about the most fascinating person I have ever met.” How awesome is that?

History Mystery Game: Clue #4

Our History Bitch makes a brief “cameo” towards the end of this clip from Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris.” Can you find her?

History Mystery Game: Clue #3

Josephine Baker

When the Missouri-born Josephine arrived in Paris during the mid-1920s, our History Bitch was already a celebrated entertainer. According to Jean-Claude Baker’s biography of his adopted mother, “Josephine: The Hungry Heart,” our mystery woman had a brief romance with the famous chanteuse. Seriously, who could blame her? That’s one foxy lady!

History Mystery Game: Clue #2

Composed by George (music) and Ira (lyrics) Gershwin in 1928, “Embraceable You” was a signature piece for our History Bitch. In fact, John Steinbeck said listening to her sing it could take two decades off a man’s life! Check-out Judy Garland’s rendition of “Embraceable You” below and you'll understand why:

History Mystery Game: Clue #1

So, I've finished up show notes for the next episode, but I’m headed to San Francisco and can’t record until I'm back early next week. But, to get y'all excited, I thought we'd play a guessing game. Everyday I'll post a clue about our upcoming History Bitch. See if you can Sherlock who she is before I release the episode. Good luck! Post your guesses!

Clue #1: These famous guys and gals play supporting roles in our History Bitch’s story.

F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald

Cole Porter

Jack Johnson

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor

History Bitches Fieldtrip #4: Hillwood Estate, Museum and Garden

Several weeks ago, I visited Hillwood, the sumptuous, sprawling estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post. Marjorie wasn't just the spectacularly rich heiress to Postum Cereal Company (now General Foods Corporation), but a talented businesswoman, too. During her lifetime, she became the wealthiest broad in America, worth a mindboggling $250 mil.

Happy Birthday Maria Mitchell!

Because I didn't already love Google enough, today’s homepage doodle honors astronomer Maria Mitchell. She is the second woman scientists featured in just a week (July 25th was Rosalind Franklin)! To celebrate, check out these facts about the birthday girl...