Imagine stumbling upon a woman in a rhinestone-studded jacket on a New York street, her eyes twinkling with secrets from a bygone era. That’s how the world met Stephanie Johnson, better known as Tanqueray, the burlesque dancer whose tales of gritty glamour captivated millions. She passed away on October 11, 2025, at her home in Manhattan, leaving behind a legacy that’s equal parts sparkle and survival. I remember reading her stories during the pandemic—they felt like a wild escape, full of mobsters, celebrities, and unapologetic sass. Her life wasn’t just lived; it was performed, and now, as we reflect, it’s clear she was one of a kind.
Early Life: From Albany Shadows to Big City Dreams
Stephanie Johnson entered the world as Aquila Stephanie Springle on January 23, 1944, in Albany, New York. Growing up in a modest home, she navigated a childhood marked by strict appearances and hidden pains. Her mother, Kallye Latimer, worked as a special assistant in the governor’s office, while her father, Marion Springle, toiled in a furniture factory. But beneath the surface, things weren’t picture-perfect.
A Mother’s Cruel Grip
Johnson often spoke of her mother as a stylish yet unloving figure, obsessed with how things looked to outsiders. This dynamic left deep scars, shaping Johnson’s fierce independence. She’d recall small acts of rebellion, like sneaking peeks at fashion magazines, dreaming of a life beyond Albany’s confines.
Teenage Turmoil and First Heartbreaks
By her mid-teens, Johnson was pregnant and in love, dropping out of high school to chase the baby’s father to New York City. Discovering he was married crushed her, and upon returning home, her mother called the police, leading to an arrest for burglary. It was a harsh lesson in betrayal that set the tone for her resilient spirit.
Johnson served time in prison, giving up her baby for adoption. Released on parole, she fled Albany for good, arriving in Manhattan with little more than grit. “I was doing what I needed to do,” she’d later say, a phrase that echoed through her stories like a mantra.
Breaking into the Burlesque World
New York in the 1960s was a whirlwind of opportunity and danger, and Johnson dove in headfirst. Starting at a clothing factory, she soon discovered go-go dancing paid better—$100 in tips for a five-hour shift. But as a Black woman with stretch marks, she faced barriers in an industry that demanded “perfection.”
First Gigs and Stage Name Origins
Her debut was at Mambo-Hi, a Manhattan bar, but the real money came on the road, like at Fort Dix military events where she was billed as “Ms. Black Universe.” Adopting “Tanqueray” as her stage name—perhaps inspired by the gin or just her flair—she stood out in a sea of performers. “I was the only Black girl making white girl money,” she boasted with a wink.
Navigating the Gritty Club Scene
Burlesque clubs like the Wagon Wheel and Billy’s Topless became her playgrounds. Mingling with pimps, hustlers, and tourists, she learned Italian in mob-run spots controlled by figures like “Matty the Horse.” One gig interrupted by fire alarms at a Long Island volunteer firehouse had her laughing years later— they booked her back immediately.
Johnson incorporated snakes and sword swallowing into her acts for extra edge. She turned down advances from club owners and even a Temptations member, staying true to her rules: no drugs, no smoking, no sleeping around. Her costumes, handmade with beads and rhinestones, were showstoppers.
- Mob Connections: Danced in clubs where she delivered outfits, rubbing shoulders with underworld types.
- Celebrity Encounters: Shared stages with James Brown and The Temptations, dodging romantic pursuits.
- Fetish Side Hustles: Later sewed costumes for porn stars like Vanessa del Rio and drag queens.
Her world included Madame Blanche’s high-end prostitutes—one friend, Vicki, allegedly serviced a U.S. president. After the Son of Sam killer’s arrest in 1977, she performed at a private party for the detective. These anecdotes, told with humor, painted a vivid picture of 1970s New York.
Pros and Cons of Burlesque Life in the 1970s
Burlesque offered freedom but came with risks. Here’s a balanced look:
Pros:
- Financial independence: Johnson earned top dollar, outpacing many peers.
- Creative expression: Designing her own outfits fueled her passion for fashion.
- Adventure: Traveled widely, from military bases to Times Square, building unforgettable memories.
Cons:
- Discrimination: As a Black woman, she battled racism and body standards.
- Danger: Mob ties and seedy clubs exposed her to violence and exploitation.
- Isolation: The lifestyle strained personal relationships, leading to loneliness.
Compared to modern burlesque, which emphasizes empowerment and inclusivity, Johnson’s era was rawer—less about art, more about survival. Today’s performers like Dita Von Teese enjoy celebrity status without the mob undertones, but Johnson paved the way for that shift.
| Era | Key Features | Notable Figures | Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970s Burlesque | Gritty clubs, mob influence, high tips | Tanqueray, Vanessa del Rio | Racism, danger, exploitation |
| Modern Burlesque | Artistic revivals, body positivity, festivals | Dita Von Teese, Dirty Martini | Competition, digital scrutiny |
Viral Sensation: Humans of New York Spotlight
In 2019, at 75, Johnson’s life changed when Brandon Stanton of Humans of New York spotted her in Chelsea. Drawn to her patchwork coat, he captured her tales in posts that exploded online. The first garnered over 500,000 likes, with Jennifer Garner commenting for a Netflix series (it was later optioned by Universal).
The 2020 Series and Fundraising Triumph
Amid health struggles—a bad fall left her wheelchair-bound—Stanton posted a 33-part series in 2020, raising over $2.5 million via GoFundMe for her care. “Stephanie’s health has taken a bad turn,” he wrote, sharing her unfiltered voice. Fans donated en masse, touched by her resilience.
Impact on Pop Culture
Her stories went global, inspiring memes, fan art, and discussions on aging Black women in entertainment. Stanton called her “a random jukebox of stories,” noting how Tanqueray masked deeper pains. One reflection: “Aging is just living.” At 70, she still danced twice weekly, defying expectations.
The Memoir: Tanqueray’s Tales Immortalized
In 2022, Johnson and Stanton released Tanqueray (St. Martin’s Press), a raw memoir blending humor and melancholy. It chronicled her Albany woes, club adventures, and loves—like Carmine, her heroin-addicted husband.
Key Themes in the Book
Survival shone through: From fencing furs to brothel managing, she adapted. Reviews praised its “NC-17” honesty, calling it a overlooked gem in literature.
- Humor Amid Hardship: Laughed at life’s absurdities, hoping heaven shows only the funny parts.
- Fashion as Armor: Studied at FIT, her outfits were lifelines.
- Untold Layers: Epilogue hints at single motherhood, adding depth.
Buy the book here for more unvarnished truth.
Personal Life: Loves, Losses, and Loneliness
Johnson married twice, divorcing both—once after discovering infidelity via prison letters. Her sons, Mitchell Springle and Stephen, plus a grandson and great-grandson, survived her. Mitchell verified her tales, recalling childhood visits to mob clubs.
Complex Relationships
Charismatic publicly, she struggled privately, cutting ties over slights. Trauma from her mother echoed in her behaviors, yet she melted around animals and babies. “She was internationally adored, yet intensely lonely,” Stanton noted.
Later Years and Health Battles
Post-fame, funds enabled hip surgery. She embraced her contradictions, sleeping with a teddy bear till the end—a poignant symbol of innocence lost and reclaimed.
Final Days: Death and Heartfelt Tributes
Johnson died at 81 from a series of strokes, confirmed by Mitchell. In her last weeks, her edges softened, revealing the girl beneath.
Outpouring of Love
Stanton mourned: “We’ve lost a legend.” A Grand Central tribute on October 18, 2025, honored her. Fans shared how her stories brought joy during tough times—like mine, reminding me life’s messiness is its magic.
People Also Ask
Drawing from common searches around Stephanie Johnson’s life and legacy:
- Who was Stephanie ‘Tanqueray’ Johnson? A burlesque dancer from the 1960s-70s who went viral on Humans of New York for her candid stories.
- What caused Stephanie Johnson’s death? She passed away from a series of strokes on October 11, 2025, at age 81.
- What is the book Tanqueray about? It’s her memoir co-written with Brandon Stanton, detailing her gritty New York adventures and personal triumphs.
- How did Tanqueray become famous? Through Humans of New York posts in 2019 and 2020, which raised millions and sparked global adoration.
FAQ
What was Stephanie Johnson’s stage name and why did she choose it?
Tanqueray, possibly inspired by the gin brand or her bold personality. It captured her flashy, intoxicating stage presence during her dancing days.
Where can I read more about her stories?
Check out her memoir Tanqueray or the original Humans of New York series on Instagram here.
What tools or resources highlight burlesque history like hers?
For informational dives, explore books like “Burlesque: Legendary Stars of the Stage.” Navigational: Visit the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas. Transactional: Best tools include archival sites like JSTOR for research or Etsy for vintage costume replicas.
How did her life compare to other burlesque icons?
Unlike Tempest Storm’s Hollywood ties, Johnson’s was street-smart survival in mob New York—more raw, less polished.
What legacy did she leave for aspiring dancers?
She showed resilience against odds, proving Black women could thrive in exclusive spaces. Her humor encouraged owning your narrative, no matter how wild.
Stephanie Johnson’s story reminds us that behind every sparkle is a storm weathered. From Albany runaway to viral icon, she lived unapologetically, teaching us to laugh through the tears. Rest easy, Tanqueray—your tales will dance on forever. (Word count: 2,748)
