Welcome to Part 1 of a four-part series on Transgender Music. For May's show we start with the first famous transsexual, Christine Jorgensen, and who knew that a couple of her night club shows had been captured? Well, record producer David Cunard did, and we'll hear him tell about his recording her in 1983. And we've got the stories of two very different trangender performers, with about 40 years between their public careers. Terry Noel was a showgirl in the famed Jewel Box Revue and also New York City's 82 Club in the early 60's and she talks about those days, her SRS, and life since. Then, jump to the present to hear from Sarafina Marachino, one of the founders of the all-transgender band Lipstick Conspiracy. Sara talks about the band and its gender politics.

In December of 2006, a piece of history was restored and given back to us, in the form of a very rare night club show by Christine Jorgensen. Prior to this the only recording released to the public was her 1958 interview album, "Christine Jorgensen Reveals." While she made herself a career in show business for most of the rest of her life, no recording of her performances had surfaced, until now. In this 1983 recording she does some singing, tells stories about celebrities and does some impressions. The night club show will not be released on a CD disc, and will Only be available at iTunes. You might also want to check out my tribute page to her, by clicking here.

  

Above, David Cunard in 2006 and in the 60s. Below, three of the gay
albums mentioned in the interview.

   

RIP, David Cunard died in Oct 2011, age 72

Terry Noel Interview

Sad note, Terry died in November 2023, at age 87

      

Above, Terry as a showgirl, 1960's

Below, from the 82 Club Program for 1965

    

Click to see the entire 82 Club Program

    

Terry was with the JBR almost all of 1959, and two months into 1960;
and at Club 82 from 1960 until late 1966.

  

Above, Terry today; Below, Hermione Baddeley LP, 1961

       

 

  

     

      

Above, Sarafina Marachino, Marilyn Mitchell, Shawna Love, Tori Tait; Below, Sara.
On their site they just announced a new member, Allason Beau, no pics yet...

Lipstick Conspiracy Website