Photo Courtesy Of Humans Of New York/ Instagram
Tanqueray, a Black former burlesque dancer featured on the popular 2010s photoblog, Humans Of New York, is set to launch a new book.
The photoblog’s founder, photographer, and author, Brandon Stanton, teamed up with Tanqueray, whose real name is Stephanie Johnson, to create the book, which is scheduled to be released on Jul. 12.
Stanton took to his Instagram page to announce the news on May 12.
“Could you guys do me a favor? Stephanie and I are coming out with the ‘Tanqueray’ book on Jul. 12. Guaranteed satisfaction, because it’s Tanqueray— only 60% longer,” he wrote. “All the classic hits from the original story and tons of new material. There are some brand new jaw-droppers in there—believe you me. Any one of them is worth the price of admission.”
He added that the book has “192 full-color pages” and encouraged his followers to pre-order a copy via his bio.
“The book really came out beautifully. It’s 192 [full-color] pages. But despite this abundance of riches…if you’re relatively sure you’re going to be reading ‘Tanqueray’ on a beach this summer—and why wouldn’t you—you could help out me and Steph by pre-ordering a copy through the link in bio. Steph has been handing out her homemade business cards ‘like crazy,’ so our grassroots campaign is rock solid. But we might need a little extra lift. Thanks, everyone!”
In its second slide, Stanton’s post included a sneak peek of “Tanqueray”: a risque photo of Johnson during her youth.
The book’s vibrant cover also features a gorgeous image of her during her heyday, donning a purple Carnival-style costume with feathers and a stone-encrusted crown.
“My whole life I’ve been number one. So honestly this whole book thing doesn’t surprise me,” the elderly woman said.
Back in 2019, Johnson appeared on Humans Of New York, as she shared an intriguing story about her life as a dancer in the ’70s. In her viral photo, she was seen wearing a unique fur coat, which she designed herself.
“My stripper name was Tanqueray,” she initially said. “Back in the seventies, I was the only black girl making white girl money. I danced in so many mob clubs that I learned Italian. Black girls weren’t even allowed in some of these places.”
Her story became so popular that she was offered book and documentary deals, she said. She even gained some celebrity fans, including Hollywood actresses Jennifer Garner, Hilary Swank, and Busy Philipps.
In 2020, Stanton raised over $2 million for Johnson via a GoFundMe page he created, as she’s been in a lot of pain since slipping on some ice the previous winter.
As per the former dancer’s request, a portion of the money will be donated to N.Y.-based charity The Association To Benefit Children when she passes.