Wives, check your husbands

[wendybeth]

Originally Posted by Motorboat Cruiser

There was a famous jazz trumpet/piano player by the name of Billy Tipton, who performed in the 1940's. He had been married 3 times and had at least two adopted children. It wasn't until his death in 1989, that it was discovered by the medical examiner that Billy was a she. Her family was understandably shocked. They hadn't a clue.

Being that there were not many opportunities back in the day for a woman jazz musician, she decided to change her appearance in order to get in the door.

Strange and sad story, actually.

Billy Tipton was from Spokane, and when the story broke it was a huge shock to most who knew him. He was a very well-known musician- I can remember seeing his name on area marquees all the time when I was growing up. We're a weird little town, I tell ya.