Joyce Bryant was an Oakland, CA native (my hometown), who was known as "The Black Marilyn Monroe," and "The Bronze Blonde Bombshell." She was the chocolate-skinned diva known for her signature silver colored hair she'd painted with radiator paint, and her skin tight form-fitting and backless gowns. It's been known that her gowns were so tight, she often needed to be carried off stage. Joyce was a cabaret and nightclub performer who's songs were too suggestive for radio.. From what I've read of her online, she is considered the "Lost Diva." I guess no one really knows whatever became of her. With all of that said, that is what inspired me to paint Ms. Joyce Bryant