The lesbian and bisexual blues singers of the early 20th century form an important part of the tradition. Perhaps the bravest, certainly the "outest," was Gladys Bentley , who performed in elegant men's clothing and had a very complex marital history.

Tragically, she was later hounded by the House Un-American Activities Committee (!) and other self-appointed guardians, wound up taking hormone treatments, and studied for the ministry before her early death. Here is a really unusual clip of her, unfortunately not in her tux and top hat, with Groucho Marx on his quiz show, You Bet Your Life . It's also unfortunate that she doesn't provide any of her unique vocal stylings, except at the end. A gallant pioneer and a major talent who should be better known.

(It may seem like Groucho is sending her up, but he is in character, treating her exactly the same as he treated all his guests, and Gladys gives as good as she gets.)