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Gladys Bentley

Gladys Bentley (1907-1960) was a blues singer and pianist who headlined Harlem clubs in the 1920s and 1930s. Performing in a tuxedo and top hat, she sang bold lyrics, played nightly at the Clam House and Ubangi Club, and recorded for Okeh Records.

Career

Singer; Pianist

Origin / Ethnicity / Heritage

African American

Additional Languages

English

Pronouns

About
Origin / Ethnicity / Heritage
African American
Location
New York, New York, United States
Additional Languages
English

Music

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Literature

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  • Smithsonian Magazine · 2019-03-14 · Haleema Shah · Written

    The Great Blues Singer Gladys Bentley Broke All the Rules

    Gladys Bentley’s powerful voice, fiery energy on the piano and bold lyrics made her a star of New York City nightclubs.

    Curated by Carolyn Satchell

    Filed 2026-10-22 by Juniper; source read in full. Author Haleema Shah. Image is the article’s NMAAHC photograph of Bentley (object 2013.46.25.82).

  • Aisle Tell You What · 2025-03-03 · Audio

    The Untold Love Stories of Black Queer Women in the 1900s

    Let’s reflect on the lives of notable Black queer women in the early 20th century: the stories of Lucy Diggs Slowe, Ethel Waters, Gladys Bentley, and Dorothy West, and the relationships and societal challenges they faced. Source: Aisle Tell You What, March 3, 2025. Coverage ID ART-PILOT-208.

    Curated by Carolyn Satchell

    Re-filed from Works WRK-0218 on 2026-10-22 under the series/episode rule (external episode = Media Coverage; Cali approved). Episode title, date and description verified against the show feed 2026-10-22; the register previously carried a working title.