Connie McLean recorded something of a landmark blues song in 1936, titled "Sissy Man Blues," which had the lines "Lord, if you can't bring me no woman, bring me a sissy man." Blues songs had always been filled with sexual themes, but this was probably the first "out of the closet" blues song. There were four recorded versions but it was written and first sung by blues man, Kokomo Arnold, with his rendition being recorded in January of 1935. Versions by Josh White (then recording under the name Pinewood Tom) and George Noble also were released that year. Connie McLean's Rhythm Boys released their version in 1936.

McLean's Rhythm Boys 'Sissy Man Blues'
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lckRmBxEZlI

James Van Der Zee, Photographer