back to Drag Artist Discography entry page

Petite Swanson

Petite Swanson was a member of Valda Gray's troupe of female impersonators,
who for much of the 1940s were the main attraction at Joe's Deluxe Club in Chicago.
She recorded four sides in 1947 for the Sunbeam label, and I believe
only two were released. Very rare indeed.

Hear Them...
Lawdy Miss Claudy
My Jockey Knows How to Ride

Side A is more known as a popular record by Lloyd Price, 1952

Two more sides were possibly released on Sunbeam by Swanson 107,
"I'm Sorry" and "Did You Ever Feel Lucky," 1947. If anyone can help me
find those recordings, or dubs, I'd much appreciate it.

Clippings

1936

  

1938

  

1941

Swanson and McAllister

1943

1945

1946

1948

and no, that's not Petite on the cover of Ebony (March 1948), but I'm sharing
Very rare pics of her and others at the famed Chicago bar Joe's Deluxe Club.
I could not find these on the net and heard they were in this issue and
tracked it down from a magazine dealer. 

   

1950

 

1953

In the table card below, circa late 40's, Petite is shown with other female impersonators

More on Valda Gray