Ricki Covette 1925 – 2016

Another burlesque legend has left us. Irene Siewert Jewell, who performed as Ricki Covette from the 1950s to the ’70s, passed away last Friday just short of her 91st birthday. She was known as the Glamazon, “the world’s tallest burlesque dancer,” and at 6’8″ she was undoubtedly that! We thank her for the years of beauty and glamour, and we wish her peaceful rest.

covette

Another legend has passed.

From Leslie Zemeckis, author of Behind the Burly-Q: The Story of Burlesque in America, we receive the sad news of the passing last night of burlesque legend Lady Midnight. Says Leslie, “Born Benita Kirkland, her father was legendary comedian Monkey Kirkland and Benita got her start stripping in his club. She was a light, a positive, upbeat friend. A funny, generous, gorgeous woman. She will be missed. And I’m so glad I got to tell at least part of her story in Behind the Burly-Q.”

Rest in power, Benita. Thank you for lighting up our world.

Lady Midnight