Ep 13. Burlesque Queen

Two experienced antique pickers, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, embark on a new adventure in season 20 episode 13 of American Pickers, titled "Burlesque Queen". The show takes us along with the duo as they travel all around America, searching for hidden treasures and rare finds in old abandoned barns, garages, and any other places that might hold valuable antiques.

In "Burlesque Queen", Mike and Frank find themselves in the southern state of Texas, where they discover a breathtaking collection of burlesque costumes, posters, and other memorabilia. The owner of this collection is none other than Tammi True, a legendary burlesque dancer from the 1950s and 1960s who performed with some of the most famous names in entertainment, including Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis.

As Tammi shares stories of her career and the history of burlesque, Mike and Frank are amazed by the incredible quality and breadth of her collection. They are particularly drawn to a stunning red sequined gown that Tammi wore during her performances, as well as a rare poster advertising one of her most famous shows.

As they delve deeper into the collection, the pickers start to realize just how valuable some of these items are. They consult with an expert in the rarified world of vintage burlesque memorabilia, who confirms their suspicions and tells them that some of the pieces they have found are incredibly rare and could fetch thousands of dollars at auction.

However, there is one problem: Tammi is not interested in selling any of her beloved collection. She tells Mike and Frank that these artifacts are a precious part of her life story, and she wants them to remain together as a testament to the rich legacy of burlesque.

Mike and Frank are used to dealing with people who are reluctant to part with their items, but they are nevertheless surprised by Tammi's attachment to her collection. They try to convince her that the items could help her financially and that they would be cherished by collectors who understand the historical significance of burlesque. However, Tammi remains steadfast in her decision, and the pickers ultimately have to respect her wishes.

As they leave Tammi's home with empty hands, Mike and Frank reflect on the experience and the importance of preserving history. They marvel at Tammi's fascinating life story and the fact that she has managed to keep this incredible collection intact for so many years.

Overall, "Burlesque Queen" is a fascinating episode of American Pickers that showcases the unique world of vintage burlesque and the people who are dedicated to preserving its history. Mike and Frank's enthusiasm for the collection, combined with Tammi's decision to keep it intact, makes for a powerful and emotional viewing experience.