We’ve lost a legend It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of this star’s tragic passing..

Stephanie “Tanqueray” Johnson lived a life straight out of a New York movie—gritty, glamorous, and unapologetically authentic.

Born Aquila Stephanie Springle in 1944 in Albany, New York, her early years were marked by strict poverty and hardship. After becoming pregnant as a teenager and being cast out by her family, she fled to Manhattan with nothing but determination and a vision for reinvention.

**Building a Legend in the Spotlight**

In the vibrant, sometimes dangerous world of 1960s and ’70s New York, Tanqueray transformed herself into one of the era’s most magnetic burlesque performers. She hand-stitched elaborate rhinestone costumes that sparkled under stage lights, commanding attention in mob-run clubs where few dared to push boundaries.

Tanqueray didn’t just perform—she transcended categories. Moving fluidly between burlesque, drag, and fetish scenes, she carved out space where none existed for a Black woman in her field. Her presence challenged norms and opened doors in an industry dominated by exclusion.

Her confidence was legendary, summed up perfectly in her own words: “Back in the seventies, I was the only Black girl making white girl money.”

**A Voice That Captivated Millions**

Tanqueray’s story didn’t end when the stage lights dimmed. Decades later, her raw honesty and unforgettable personality captured hearts once again when she shared her life story, reminding the world of a woman who refused to be broken by circumstance.

From poverty and rejection to the glittering stages of Manhattan, Tanqueray built herself into something unforgettable—not despite her struggles, but through them. Her life remains a testament to resilience, self-determination, and the power of owning your truth, no matter how unconventional the path.