Joe Frisco - Dubuque's Vaudeville Star
If you've read the Joe Frisco chapter in "Entertaining Dubuque-The Untold Story," you'll be interested to see this new information I've uncovered in my continuing research.
The first item was found in the TH archives from January 10, 1927. It refers to an article in the Saturday Evening Post which mentions Joe in relation to a famous Rectors Restaurant at 44th & Broadway in the 1920s.
This story doesn't agree with information found when I researched the multi-page article in my book, but I present it to reflect another of the many stories that demonstrate the importance of Joe Frisco to big-time show business at the time.
The second item was found in Motion Picture Weekly a trade publication in the 1920s and early 30s. It announces and promotes Joe's first "talkie" - an RKO two-reel film. A few months later he was signed to a full-length feature - "The Gorilla."
Joe's story is one of an uneducated free spirit with a unique talent who made it good in show business. Look at these reviews from his return to New York's famed Palace Theater in 1929.
His distinctive cigar earned him endorsement dollars from Admiration Cigars.
This 1931 magazine article gives another take on his unique life.
In March of 1943, Joe was mentioned in Variety. His comments were typical "Joe Frisco."
The only film footage of Joe Frisco's clever dance routine is seen in the movie "Atlantic City" produced by Republic Pictures in 1944.
And here is Joe's unique "Frisco Dance" - the forerunner of Michael Jackson's Moonwalk.
As I continue to research the history of Dubuque entertainment and entertainers, I'll likely find more on Joe. Come back to the blog often and you'll be surprised at more items I've uncovered.
For instance, here is a review of Joe Frisco's act at a popular Los Angeles Club, Grace Hayes Lodge on February 18, 1939 
Another Joe Frisco Review from Variety October 7, 1942
Here's another Frisco review from The Olympia in Miami from March 25, 1943
In March of 1947, Joe was still making nightclub audiences laugh.
If you don't own a copy of this limited edition hard-cover 510-page book which is loaded with photographs and old advertising, it is available at River Lights Bookstore. A signed copy can be obtained by contacting me at rdbqpaul@gmail.com
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