The three Turman sisters performed with their brother Buddy in nighclubs around Newark and New York. Gertrude Turman performed in Newark nightclubs as a “shake dancer”. Helena also specialized in dance. Geneva Turman was a popular soloist
Helena Turman
1914-1970
Besides family performances, danced in shows produced by Johnny Gardner and toured with Harlem on Parade, as well as performing in Newark’s Nest Club. Later became a nurses’ aide and Central Ward district leader.
Geneva Turman Yuill
1912-2004
Besides family performances, played clubs around NJ and New York, including a USO tour.
Gertrude Turman Brown
1919-1991
Besides family performances, danced in Newark and upstate NY nightclubs including Albany. Later, was a seamstress for many years. In 1943, she won the junior first prize in the Makassar School of Beauty Culture hairstyle show.
Bibliography
Kukla, Swing City
Star Ledger obituaries: Oct 8, 2004; Sept 2, 1970; Dec 2, 1991
Tiny Prince Scrapbook, Charles Cummings NJ Info Center, Newark Library
NJ Herald News, 1943 Apr 25, 1942, Feb 6 1943,
Funeral program, Barbara J. Kukla Papers, Charles Cummings NJ Info Center, Newark Library
“Albany, NY” New York Age Jan 24, 1942
Star Gazette, Dec 15, 1938