The Legend of Cora Youngblood: Oklahoma’s Forgotten Prodigy
Presented by James P. Gregory, Jr.
Saturday, May 7th, 1:30 PM
Cora Youngblood Corson was born in Republic, Missouri, on January 19, 1886. Her father purchased a plot in Anadarko, Oklahoma Territory, on August 6, 1901. There Corson formed the first band in the town with her sisters and friends. From this humble beginning, she became one of the most famous women in vaudeville. However, her career has been largely forgotten. Corson earned the moniker “Oklahoma’s Prodigy” and sold out theaters across the world. She created the Cora Youngblood Corson Sextette, which performed extravagant shows and garnered national acclaim. During her illustrious career, she picketed against the trusts that ran the theaters, was arrested, and subsequently blacklisted. This presentation will illuminate this extraordinary woman’s career and legacy.
FREE admission as part of the Free First Saturday program.
James P. Gregory Jr. is a PhD Candidate at the University of Oklahoma and an award-winning author.