Complex sentence: During the early 1950s, Penniman was performing as a drag performer in various vaudeville groups and by the time he entered the chitlin' circuit began using makeup regularly, influenced by Billy Wright, who recommended him his brand of makeup, Pancake 31.
Split into simpler sentences: During the early 1950s, Penniman had appeared as a drag performer in various vaudeville groups. By the time he entered the chitlin' circuit, he began using makeup regularly, influenced by Billy Wright, who recommended him his brand of makeup, Pancake 31.