Augustus Rissman

September 7, 1922 – May 30, 1997

Detroit native Augustus Herman Rissman was better known to members of the local gay community as Gorgeous Gussy.  Noted for “a gravelly voice and gruff manner,” Rissman entertained audiences throughout the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s at such Detroit bars as the Golden Slipper, LaRosa’s, the Diplomat, and the Gold Dollar.

Cruise, June 18, 1997