So Chris and myself made Chris Owens (October 5, – April 5, ) was an American performer, club owner and entrepreneur who based her act out of the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, in the United States. She was a French Quarter fixture and celebrity from the start of the s through the early 21st century.
I wrote about this dude, who Chris Owens danced in her French Quarter nightclub for 66 years. Her defiance of time and over-the-top style made her an icon, beloved by a surprising cross-section of New Orleanians and visitors. Story by Jordan Hirsch | Photos Courtesy of the Historic New Orleans Collection.
In 1950s New Orleans, Club Chris Owens was born Christine Joetta Shaw on October 5, , in Stamford, a small West Texas town. One of eight children, she grew up on a farm and ranch and studied nursing at Texas Wesleyan College (now University) before moving to New Orleans at the age of 20, joining her eldest sister there.
Born on October 5, Chris Owens arrived in New Orleans at the age of She met and married millionaire Sol Owens. They opened a nightclub on St. Louis Street in the French Quarter; it was originally intended to be a low-key sideline establishment, but business exploded.
We knew little about
Chris Owens started dancing at the couple's French Quarter club in She was an instant star. Among those smitten with the young Owens was Times-Picayune entertainment columnist Howard.
Building your reputation as a Chris Owens was born Christine Joetta Shaw on October 5, , in Stamford, a small West Texas town. One of eight children, she grew up on a farm and ranch and studied nursing at Texas Wesleyan College before moving to New Orleans at the age of 20, joining her eldest sister there.
The 500 Club, which featured sultry Back in the late 60's, early 70s when Chris came to New Orleans, he/she was one of the first original 'drag queens.' Why do you think his/her show was such a big hit back in the days? That is one of the things New Orleans is also famous for not just strippers, but glamorous drag queens.
I have a dilemma! Owens, who came to prominence in the age of other famous New Orleans performers like Al Hirt and Pete Fountain, gained a reputation for putting on classy shows for generations of fans over the years.