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Tanqueray

By: Stephanie Johnson, Brandon Stanton
Narrated by: Brandon Stanton, Stephanie Johnson
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Publisher's summary

"These bawdy, gritty tales of New York City in the 1960s and 1970s will captivate listeners, but it’s Johnson who is the hero of this story. Listeners will relish every minute."- Library Journal

"Humans of New York fans will delight in hearing Stephanie 'Tanqueray' Johnson, once one of the city's best known burlesque dancers, tell her triumphant story."-People Magazine

This program is read by Stephanie Johnson with an introduction read by Brandon Stanton, author of Humans of New York.

The storytelling phenomenon Humans of New York and its #1 bestselling books have captivated a global audience of millions with personal narratives that illuminate the human condition. But one story stands apart from the rest...

She is a woman as fabulous, unbowed, and irresistible as the city she lives in.

Meet TANQUERAY.

In 2019, Humans of New York featured a photo of a woman in an outrageous fur coat and hat she made herself. She instantly captured the attention of millions. Her name is Stephanie Johnson, but she’s better known to HONY followers as “Tanqueray,” a born performer who was once one of the best-known burlesque dancers in New York City. Reeling from a brutal childhood, immersed in a world of go-go dancers and hustlers, dirty cops and gangsters, Stephanie was determined to become the fiercest thing the city had ever seen. And she succeeded.

Real, raw, and unapologetically honest, this is the full story of Tanqueray as told by Brandon Stanton—an audiobook filled with never-before-told stories of Tanqueray's struggles and triumphs through good times and bad, personal photos from her own collection, and glimpses of New York City from back in the day when the name “Tanqueray” was on everyone’s lips.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Press.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Stephanie Johnson and Brandon Stanton (P)2022 Macmillan Audio
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Featured Article: Best of the Year—The 15 Best Bios and Memoirs of 2022


There are few stories more compelling or more intimately told than those soul-baring memoirs that seek not just to recount the experiences of one's own life, but to draw some greater commentary on the big existential questions. What does it mean to be human? What is our purpose in being here? How much of who we are is purely self-determined? Exceptional in both their prose and narration, these listens represent a few of the year's best memoirs.

Editorial Review

Unforgettable, in every way
To fans of Brandon Stanton's photo project and bestselling book Humans of New York, Tanqueray is nothing short of a superstar. So, to finally hear the septuagenarian Stephanie Johnson (her real name) share more unfiltered, incredible stories about being a burlesque dancer in 1970s New York City—and many other necessary reinventions to survive life's ups and downs—in her own feisty, raunchy, badass way is a milestone storytelling event that is at times hilarious as well as heartbreaking. Millions fell in love with her indomitable spirit by reading about her life on social media, but listening to this legendary lady is unforgettable. As she says: "Make room for Tanqueray, because here I come." — Jerry P.

What listeners say about Tanqueray

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Tanqueray can tell a story!

Enjoyed hearing Tanqueray’s voice sharing her wild and intriguing story. Interestingly got a peek at the edgy New York from the past that my elders spoke of every now and then. She’s really a good storyteller and deserves all the good she’s received through her initial interview on Humans of New York. I’m even more pleased that I donated to her gofundme. Didn’t love the interview extra with Brandon. He comes off condescending and self important. The book could’ve ended without it. It kinda strips (no pun intended) away the hazy tone of meaningful memories Stephanie shared by revealing her private repetitive sharing with him. Felt disrespectful.

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Wowwwww

One of the best books I’ve ever read. And hearing her read it was even better!

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Worth every minute

What an excellent story and I’m so glad that Stephanie read it herself! She brings so much to the performance that no other reader could have equaled it. If you’re on the fence, get it! You won’t regret it!

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Compelling story

Stephanie is real and frank and lively. There are echoes of sadness and hints that she lives in the shadow of Tanqueray. Stephanie is resourceful, smart (like really, really smart) and she is a survivor. It's a privilege to hear her tell her own story.

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What a great story! Read by author.

What a great story! Read by author. I loved it and didn’t want it to end.

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What a life!

I listened to this book because I love books read by the authors. I could envision her story but I now want the books because I want to SEE her story. All I can say is WHAT A LIFE! So fascinating! A great listen.

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What a Life!

I remember first reading about Stephanie, aka "Tanqueray" on HONY and was excited when the book was published. Reading it is great, but hearing her tell her story in her own voice deeply poignant. The bonus conversation was great, too!

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Must listen!

I follow HONY and pre-ordered the print version of Tanqueray. After reading it I just had to listen to this in Stephanie’s own voice.

You will not be disappointed if you like a good story. Stephanie and Brandon deliver an immersive story of a fabulous lady. I can only hope for more stories in the future!

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I enjoyed her stories, colorful, life lived

Because I ran around, grew up in the 70s and we had fun. In this case San Francisco, so fun, go with no money and get everything. All kind of characters, atmospheres, you don't see today; that's sad.

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Showstopper

Stephanie stole my attention and my heart when her story was released in short pieces on HONY! Her personality jumped out of the pictures and the words captivated my imagination. This audiobook does not disappoint. Hearing her stories in her voice brought so much life to my evening commute! Thank you Brandon for introducing us all!

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