Whilst the sun is high and bright, today is a sad day as we learn the death of burlesque legend Blaze Starr. She passed away in West Virginia yesterday at the age of 83. It seems she had been worried about the health of her dog, whom she adopted as a stray. Her sister, Cathy Fleming, believed this stress, along with a "severe heart condition", killed her. Her dog died hours later. (Quote from Wikipedia).
"I was 15 and working as a waitress at the Mayflower Donut Shop in Washington, D.C., when a man named Red Snyder told me I was pretty and ought to be in show business. I said I had been raised to believe it was sinful to dance, but I could play the guitar."
"Good," he said. "I'm going to make you a star."
And so it began...
Her vivacious presence and inventive use of stage props earned her the nickname "The Hottest Blaze in Burlesque" and "Miss Spontaneous Combustion".
"She was always a lady who had a flair for show business," said Thomas J. D'Alesandro III, who was mayor when Blaze Starr performed on The Block. "She had a lot of kindness in her heart, especially for veterans.
The news has already travelled around the world and fans are already planing on ways to paying tribute to the iconic performer. Her modest Facebook page reads lovely messages from admires, friends and family.
"Aunt Belle, Thanks for all the fun times at the pool and your hospitality... and for all of the stories you told that would later wind up being the movie, 'Blaze'. You always made me feel welcome and part of your family. I love you and hope the good lord knows this about you also! Love, Jimmy"
For more information about Blaze Starr, find our article in the winter 2014 issue of Burlesque Bible
