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.
They lived on Chester Ave in Newark as children.
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, Geneva played clubs around NJ and New York, including a USO tour in 1945. During her USO tour, the Washington Afro American called her a “petite singer and dancer”, who was part of “one of the best shows to visit this base.”
Gertrude Turman Brown
1919-1991
Besides family performances, danced in Newark and upstate NY nightclubs including Albany as a “shake dancer”. 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
Gordon, William “Swing City” Star Ledger Sept 12, 1991
“Grace Smith…” Afro American Feb 17, 1945
“Top Flight…” Washington Afro American May 5, 1945
“All Day Party” Washington Afro American Aug 9, 1947