Let’s Talk About A Trailblazing Black, Queer, and Blues Legend: Alberta Hunter

Alberta Hunter began her career as a blues singer and songwriter. She also appeared in the 1928 London production of Show Boat and was also in the film, Radio Parade of 1935. A steady stream of successful recordings in the 1920s made her a star in the United States and in Europe, where she often performed in nightclubs. Her song, “Downhearted Blues” was made famous by Bessie Smith.

Hunter led the first African American USO tours in the 40s and early 50s. During the 1920s, Hunter began a relationship with Lottie Tyler, the niece of actor and comedian Bert Williams. Tyler and Hunter were together until Tyler died in 1960. Albert Hunter retired from performing in the late 1950s and became a nurse for 20 years but then experienced a career renaissance in the 1970s, performing and recording until she died in 1984.