Billy Tipton

The Profile

Billy Tipton (1914–1989) was an American jazz musician, pianist, saxophonist and bandleader who recorded in the 1950s. After his death it became publicly known that he had been born Dorothy Lucille Tipton and had lived much of his adult life presenting as a man.

Born December 29, 1914 (Oklahoma City). Died January 21, 1989 (Spokane, Washington). Recorded at least the albums 'Sweet Georgia Brown' (1955) and 'Billy Tipton Plays Hi-Fi On Piano' (1956). Became widely discussed in the press after his death when details of his birth name and life were revealed.

The available review narrates Billy Tipton's life as a jazz musician who recorded in the 1950s and lived publicly as a man. It links his recordings to the revelation of his birth identity after his death and frames the story in mythic terms. Musically the review treats the albums as artifacts worth hearing even if they don't answer all biographical questions.