Hello, friends. We hope everyone is staying warm and cozy this January. How about a little something different for this week's Saturday newsletter? Let's share some stories about two different iconic characters in American history. Both were larger-than-life and both were highly entertaining!

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich once said, "Well-behaved women seldom make history." Today, January 13 is the birthdate of one of those history-making women, Sophie Tucker: international star, comedian, actress, singer, radio and television personality, and one of the most unique entertainers of all time.

"Sophie Tucker: The Last of the Red-Hot Mamas" In this 22-minute video presentation (available for free for a limited time) Laura shares the fascinating life story of a legendary performer and one-of-a-kind personality. She was known for her comical and risqué songs, her unabashed straight-forward performing style, and her exceptional generosity. Her diverse career started in vaudeville and burlesque shows in 1907 and evolved into a success story for the ages including recordings, radio, television, movies, and sold-out performances around the world. This was the woman who greeted George V, in her 1934 Royal Command performance, with the salutation "Hi-ya King!" Learn her story from humble beginnings as a Jewish immigrant at the turn of the century to international stardom. Laura closes the presentation with a musical performance of the song "Last of the Red-Hot Mamas" which was a hit for Sophie in the 1920s.

​--- CLICK HERE TO ENJOY THIS FREE PRESENTATION ---​

SONGS AND SASS with a RED-HOT MAMA! And just in case you can't get enough of this kind of sassy fun, here's a musical performance from Laura and Bill that is one of the fabulous offerings included in our Lower Mississippi River Virtual Cruise. This show has some of the sassy one-liners and playful songs that have come from history-making women like Sophie Tucker, Mae West, Bette Midler, and more!

​---CLICK HERE FOR ACCESS TO THIS RED-HOT MUSICAL PERFORMANCE---​

Check out our entire Lower Mississippi River Virtual Cruise with 40+ history & musical programs by clicking here: https://historyhighlights.gumroad.com/l/MississippiRiverCruise​

And speaking of the Mississippi River...this weekend's free eBook is about another entertaining character...

"Mark Twain and the Mississippi River" This eBook chronicles the life of an American icon and his connection to America's most iconic waterway. Available for FREE for three days, January 13, 14 & 15! You don't need a Kindle to enjoy this book. You can download the Kindle app and read it on any smartphone, tablet, or computer. CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE EBOOK.

We hope you enjoy today's "red-hot" presentation and performance, and the free book.

Have fun and stay warm!

Laura & Bill