Burlesque 101: Classic Burlesque Songs
Welcome back to Burlesque 101, where we talk about Burlesque Basics. Today’s topic: Classic Burlesque Songs that Every Performer Should Know. We’re getting into the songs made for burlesque. At the end of the day, any song can be a burlesque song and there are no set rules saying you HAVE to use these songs; depending on personal style and persona a performer can use any song they like. This is simply a list of the classic songs that we at Rhody Q think that every performer should know because they are that iconic.
Burlesque Song Origins
When thinking about classic burlesque songs jazz probably comes to mind. The iconic Big Band numbers that go hand and hand with 50s and 60s dinner clubs are definitely intertwined with the image of burlesque dancers. These big, climatic jazz songs lend great opportunity for build-ups and reveals that works so well for burlesque. So, where did we get these classics that performers still use today, and how are they so wide spread? A very useful vinyl album released in 1962 by Ann Corio, a wildly successful burlesque dancer, and Sonny Lester, a music producer, called How to Strip for Your Husband: Music to Make Marriage Merrier. Ann Corio’s contributions throughout her career go well beyond just presenting this album: she is a Burlesque Hall of Fame inductee, an absolute legend, and even a New England native, but for this post we’re focusing on the music.
This album led to other album collections including Ann Corio’s More How to Strip for Your Husband, and Music to Keep Your Husband Happy. Yes, the titles are quite dated to say the least, but these albums compile a bulk of the basics we’re talking about. If you’ve seen a burlesque performance, or even a movie that references stripping or burlesque, you’ve probably heard the iconic songs from these albums. And they’re even on Spotify.
There are other albums of burlesque classics that exist as well, some of our personal favorites include David Rose’s The Stripper and Music of the Strip by The Cousins.
List of Classic Songs
Here is a list of (most of) the classic songs that every burlesque performer should know:
A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody
A Woman
Banned in Boston
Basin Street Blues
Big Millie from Philly
Blue Prelude
Blues To Strip By
Bumps & Grinds
Dixie Belle
Easter Parade
Fever
For Strippers Only
Funky Blues
Harlem Nocturne
Honey Rock
How Mable Get Sable Cha Cha Cha
In the Mood
It’s Been a Long, Long Time
Jumpin’ at the Woodside
Lament
Lonely Little G-String
Lullaby of Birdland
Mood Indigo
Moonlight Serenade
More Bumps and Grinds
Night Train
Perfume and Pink Chiffon
Play The Blues For Masie
Purple Wail
Real Gone
Seduction Of The Virgin Princess
Shivas Regal
Sing, Sing, Sing
Slow Walk
Soft Lights and Sweet Music
Sophisticated Lady
Stompin’ at the Savoy
St. James Infirmary
St. Louis Blues
Strippers Holiday
Strip Poker
Swingin' Shepherd Blues
Toots Shor’s Blues
The Late Late Show
The Nervous Beat
The Stripper
The Raid
Turkish
Wabash Blues
Walkin' & Strippin'
What is This Thing Called Love
You Did it, You Did it
Variations of Songs
As with all songs, there are different versions and covers of iconic burlesque songs. When looking through options of songs, consider the different versions of them and how they may work with your act. Different bands and arrangements may emphasize different aspects of the song that could work well with your act. Or one cover may have a different sound in general, and these all create options to play with as a performer working on a new act. If you find one song on this list that you really like but maybe want something a little different, continue to search for other versions and variations of it, numerous exist. Please use this list as a jumping point to find a song that you love to create your classic act!
