The Stud

The first worker-owned cooperative nightclub in the US! Keeping San Francisco queer since 1966. We host Drag, DJs, Dance Parties, Karaoke and more- check out our calendar.

SOMA San Francisco, CA

Etta James with Honey Mahogany

May 18, 2020  /  Stud SF

By 1976 Etta James had opened for Elvis, toured with Little Richie, released ten studio albums and had several number one hits on the Rhythm and Blues charts. So what brought her to the Stud with it’s “postage stamp sized” stage, and dressing rooms across the street (imagine her crossing Folsom Street in the middle of the block to get from the green room to the stage). 

Honey Mahogany joins host Vivvy to dish about Etta James, Beyonce, and queer appreciation of high femme blackness. 


Honey Mahogany is a member of the Stud Collective, and cofounder of the Compton’s Transgender Cultural district in San Francisco. She’s also a drag queen, legislative aid in City Hall and was a contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race.


Link to the BAR article referenced in this episode is here

This is the Stud’s original contract with Etta James

This is the Stud’s original contract with Etta James

More photos of more contracts (some handwritten by James) are available to our Patreon members Here

Etta James’ number in the Stud’s rolodex (photo by Chloe Miller)

Etta James’ number in the Stud’s rolodex (photo by Chloe Miller)