Bruz Fletcher was a singer in Los Angeles, California during the Pansy Craze. Born in Indiana, Fletcher gained fame as a singer at Club Bali, a popular nightclub during the Great Depression. Fletcher was openly gay and lived with his partner Casey Roberts.[1]
Bruz Fletcher | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Stoughton Fletcher March 12, 1906 Indiana |
| Died | February 8, 1941 (aged 34) |
| Education | Indiana University |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Partner | Casey Roberts |
Early life edit
Fletcher was born to Stoughton A. Fletcher and Mae Henley Fletcher, who were one of the richest families in Indiana at the time.[2][3] As a child, Fletcher's mother and grandmother committed a double suicide.[1] His sister, Louisa Fletcher, made headlines after being left at the altar of her wedding to a German count.[1] Fletcher attended Howe Military Academy and Indiana University and moved to Los Angeles in 1926.[2]
Career edit
Known as the "Singing Satirist," Fletcher's lyrics were often gay coded.[4] In 1935, Fletcher was hired to perform at Club Bali on Sunset Boulevard for two weeks. After proving a popular draw, however, he remained at the club for over four years, performing for stars such as Humphrey Bogart, Ronald Reagan, and Howard Hughes.[4] Fletcher wrote two books and several plays.[5]
Personal life edit
Fletcher was openly gay, and his living arrangements with his partner Casey Roberts were openly written about in Hollywood newspapers at the time.[6] In 1941, Fletcher died by suicide at the age of 34.[1]
References edit
- ^ a b c d Alpern, Tyler. "Bruz Fletcher: Family Home, Casey & Sources". Bruz Fletcher Project: Remembering a Gay Voice. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
- ^ a b "Fletcher, Stoughton "Bruz"". Indiana Authors. Indiana University. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
- ^ Grey, Charlie. "This campy star of the '30s Pansy Craze was gloriously shady and super gay". Queerty. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
- ^ a b "1935: Bruz Fletcher's Camp Style". Playground to the Stars. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
- ^ Timmons, Stuart (November–December 2006). "Bruz Fletcher livened up the 1930's". The Gay & Lesbian Review Worldwide. 13 (6). Retrieved July 26, 2023.
- ^ "Bruz Fletcher". Queer Music Heritage. Retrieved July 26, 2023.