Dawn Hampton - The "Queen of Cabaret"

October 29, 2023

This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue we’ll celebrate the music of Dawn Hampton – best known for her work as a jazz and cabaret singer. Dawn was a member of Indianapolis’ legendary Hampton family and performed extensively on the Avenue during the 1940s, and ‘50s.

During the 1960s, and ‘70s Dawn became a popular singer in New York City, where she was known as the “queen of cabaret.” Dawn developed a loyal following among gay men in New York and performed at legendary gay venues in the city - including Stonewall and the Continental Baths.