B.J. Crosby

B.J. Crosby (November 23, 1952 – March 27, 2015) was an American singer and actress. In 1995, Crosby received a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical nomination for her performance in the musical, Smokey Joe's Cafe. Her role inSmokey Joe's Cafe included solo parts in the songs "Hound Dog" and "Fools Fall in Love."

Crosby was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. She began her career by singing in church choirs.

Following her success in Smokey Joe's Cafe, returned to Broadway for two more roles. Crosby starred as Matron "Mama" Morton in the 1996 Broadway revival of Chicago and played Ma Reed in the 2002 Broadway debut of One Mo' Time. Her national tours included Dreamgirls, in which she was cast as Effie.

Outside of the theater, she had guest roles on The Cosby Show, Family Matters, Law & Order, Mad About You, and other television series. Crosby's music releases included a solo album, "Best of Your Heart," and "The New Orleans Music," which she recorded with Ellis Marsalis, Jr.

Crosby moved back to her native New Orleans in 2007. In 2008, she suffered a stroke after failing ill during a concert. Due to her declining health, Crosby was one of only 2 members of the original cast of Smokey Joe's Cafe who could not attend a reunion held at 54 Below in February 2014. B.J. Crosby died on March 27, 2015, at the age of 63. Her death was first announced in a tweet by actor and friend, Harvey Fierstein, "BJ Crosby, a powerhouse of a talent & wonderful friend is gone. I treasure our time on HAIRSPRAY."