[1] Sydell’s penchant for wearing great quantities of valuable jewels and ostrich plumes secured her reputation as America’s first Burlesque Queen.

[2][3] Born in Covington, Kentucky, Rose Sydell started her career as a ballet dancer at Robinson's Opera House in Cincinnati, OH.

[5][1] While playing at the London Theatre in New York City, Sydell met Jack’s press agent, Williams S. Campbell, who was a famed burlesque comedian himself.

[2] In addition to starring in the London Belles and creating her own lavish wardrobe, Sydell selected the chorus girls.

[7][3] In 1910, Variety criticized Sydell for piling on ermine fur and jewels, while dressing her pretty chorus girls in costumes that were “terribly shabby and very much soiled.”[8] With its combination of Sydell’s star power, handsome chorus girls, comical playlets, and popular songs, the London Belles tour was a major burlesque attraction.

They invested in real estate, purchasing a block of brownstones on State Street in Brooklyn, NY, as well as a hotel in Atlantic City.