Iretha “Pepper Pot” Tucker

Born in 1926 in Kansas City, Missouri, Iretha Tucker—née Greer—was a firecracker on stage and a force in midcentury Black entertainment. Known as the “Shake Dancer Supreme” of the Ebony Dancers, she earned the nickname “Pepper Pot” for her sizzling energy and hip-shaking flair. Her performances in the early 1950s drew loud applause and glowing press, placing her among the standout talents of a troupe that dazzled audiences from Omaha to Texas.

Census records list her childhood name as “Auretha” or “Aritha,” a reflection of the fluidity and inconsistencies in public documentation of Black performers. Her parents hailed from Arkansas, and she grew up in Kansas City, where she studied dance under Wayne Harshaw. By age 14, she was already performing tap routines at WPA-sponsored community programs—a sign of her early commitment to the stage.

In 1947, Iretha married Orestie Tucker in Alabama. Orestie was a musician, and their union helped fuel Iretha’s ambitions as an entertainer. With music in the household and performance in her bones, she began traveling for gigs, including a 1949 engagement at Omaha’s Carnation Ballroom—a hotspot for Black performers in the Midwest.

Solo Performer

By 1949, Iretha “Pepper Pot” Tucker had stepped into the spotlight as a solo act. That year, she traveled to Omaha, Nebraska, where she performed at the famed Carnation Ballroom—a key venue for Black entertainers on the touring circuit. Her appearance was advertised in The Omaha Star, signaling her growing reputation beyond Kansas City. With her signature shake dance style and magnetic stage presence, Iretha was already carving out a name for herself before joining The Ebony Dancers the following year.

The Ebony Dancers Era

From 1950 to 1952, Iretha “Pepper Pot” Tucker was a featured performer with The Ebony Dancers, a Kansas City-based troupe known for its dynamic blend of song, acrobatics, and shake dance. Alongside fellow artists like Irene McLaurin, Evelyn Lee, and Adah Jean Gray, Iretha brought her signature hip-shaking style to stages across the Midwest and South.

Press coverage from the time praised her as a “Shake Dancer Supreme,” and her performances were often singled out for their energy and crowd appeal. In a 1951 group photo published in The Kansas City Call, Iretha stands among the troupe’s leading ladies—proof of her central role in the ensemble’s success.

Later Years and Legacy

Though the Ebony Dancers disbanded by the mid-1950s, Iretha’s impact lingered. She continued performing and remained connected to the entertainment world. She passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of rhythm, resilience, and radiant artistry.

Like many performers of her era, Iretha’s contributions were rarely documented in full—but through surviving ads, reviews, and photographs, we glimpse a woman who toured with flair and helped shape the entertainment pulse of her time.

Sources

Newspapers

• The Kansas City Call. “‘Stoppin’ Traffic’ Headliner.” Page 8. March 30, 1951
• The Omaha Star. Ad for The Carnation Ballroom. Page 8. March 31, 1949
• The Omaha Star. Ad for the Carnation Ballroom. Page 6. March 11, 1949
• The Kansas City Call. “Running the Scale.” Bee Flatt. Page 9. October 3, 1952
• The Kansas City Call. “Recreation Centers.” Page 30. August 16, 1940

Documents

• 1930 US Federal Census for Auretha Greer
• 1950 US Federal Census for Iretha Greer
• 1940 US Census for Aritha Tucker under John Greer Family
• Iretha G. Tucker. US Find a Grave Index. 2012. Spouse Orestie L. Tucker
• US City Directories for Orestie and Iretha Tucker. Musician at r2215 N 5th St
• 1940 US Federal Census for Iretha Greer
• Alabama, US, Marriage Index, 1800-1969
• Kansas City & County Census Records, 1919-1961. Registered on 1 March 1954 in Kansas City