Vintage Burlesque Dancer, Stripper, Singer: "Toni Elling"

Toni Elling ...
"The Dukes Delight," "the Elegant Miss Toni Elling," "Living Legend of Burlesque."

Started in the strip-tease business in 1960 for the opening act of singer Jackie Wilson at the Flame Showbar in Detroit and soon after (1962) moved to Los Angeles which she would call home. She was soon billed as "Americas Foremost Sepia Singing Ecdysiast." Toni combined vocal and her dancing talents to create a unique brand of strip-tease. Toni named herself after the legendary 'Duke Ellington', whom also is said to have wrote the song 'Satin Doll' in her honor. Motor City should be proud!

Toni retired in 1974 but is back today doing exhibitions at reunion shows across the country as well as teaching some of the lucky youngin's how to strut their stuff!

Photo 1: Miss Toni is seen here in a pretty closeup photo in her younger years.

• Birth Name: Rosita Simms
• Birth Date: 5/13/1928
• Birth Place: Detroit, USA
• Married: Yes, Once (Divorced, no children)
• Parents: n/a
• Clubs/Theaters: Brass Rail | Flame Showbar | National | Twenty Grand
• Films: League of Exotic Dancers (Documentary) |