American Female Entertainers

With several prestigious honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, under her belt, Diana Ross is one of the most popular and influential singers of all time. In 1976, Billboard named her the Female Entertainer of the Century. She has influenced popular artists like Madonna, Beyoncé, and Michael Jackson.

Gypsy Rose Lee was an American vedette and burlesque entertainer best remembered for her striptease act. She was also an actress, playwright, and author whose memoir inspired the 1959 stage musical, Gypsy. Lee's life inspired several works of art, including a song titled Gypsy Rose Lee by The Distillers. She also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Born Dolores L. DeFina, she became Dolores Hope after her marriage to actor and comedian, Bob Hope.  A fine singer and a woman of words, she entertained American overseas soldiers for fifty years, recording her first CD, Dolores Hope: Now and Then, at the age of eighty-three. e.

Louise Mandrell is an American singer who achieved popularity during the 1970s and 1980s by recording a string of country songs, such as Put It On Me and I Thought You'd Never Ask. She is also renowned for her comedy skills as well as her ability to play multiple instruments.

The Doll Family was an American quartet that performed in sideshows and circuses from the mid-1910s to 1958. The group comprised siblings with dwarfism; three sisters and a brother. Apart from performing in shows, the siblings also appeared in films. They became well-known after appearing in the 1939 musical fantasy film The Wizard of Oz.

The first active female majority owner of any NFL franchise, Georgia Frontiere faced immense harassment for trying to enter what was until then a male's bastion. Holder of 70% ownership stake in the Los Angeles Rams, later renamed as St. Louis Rams, she eventually succeeded in establishing herself as a successful franchise owner, concurrently devoting herself to different philanthropic causes.

Lotta Crabtree was an entertainer, actress, and comedian who became one of the most beloved and wealthiest American entertainers during the late-19th century. She was also a well-known philanthropist; she left an estate worth $4 million for a charitable trust as part of her will. Dubbed The Nation's Darling, Lotta Crabtree's life and career inspired the 1951 film Golden Girl. 

Jennifer Miller is an American writer, circus entertainer, and professor at Pratt Institute. In an illustrious career as a circus entertainer, which has spanned more than two decades, Miller has performed predominantly as a fire eater and juggler. She is credited with founding the popular political performance troupe, Circus Amok. Her life and career inspired Tami Gold's documentary Juggling Gender.

Elisabeth Welch was an American actress, singer, and entertainer who came up with popular songs like Far Away in Shanty Town, Love for Sale, and Stormy Weather during an illustrious career spanning more than 70 years. In February 2012, she was posthumously honored by Bonnie Greer who unveiled a blue plaque at Ovington Court where Welch lived during the mid-30s.

Lillian Smith was a trick rider and trick shooter who became part of the popular Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show when she was just 15 years old. Dubbed the champion California huntress, Smith was Annie Oakley's arch-rival in the show. During her illustrious career, Smith also performed in other shows like the Miller Brothers 101 Ranch Wild West Show.

Daniela Rajic is the partner of popular basketball player Paul George. Daniela Rajic was working as a stripper before falling in love with Paul George. She currently has two daughters with the basketball player. 

Connie Smith is an American singer and songwriter whose contralto voice has been described as influential and significant to the women of country music. In 2012, she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Considered one of the most respected country music artists, Smith was named in Rolling Stone magazine's 100 greatest country music artists list.