Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society

Josephine Baker: Jazz Age Superstar to WW2 Spy

Oct 27, 2023

Josephine Baker, an extraordinary figure, went from poverty to being a superstar. She became a spy for the Allies in WW2, using invisible ink and hiding documents. Her rise to fame, iconic banana skirt, and racism she faced are discussed. Her activism in civil rights and humanitarian work in adopting 12 children are highlighted.

23:53

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Josephine Baker

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Quick takeaways

Josephine Baker risked her life as a spy for the Allies during World War II, smuggling intelligence information and delivering it to General De Gaulle in London.

Josephine Baker's career was marked by poverty, prejudice, and discrimination, but she remained resilient, achieved global success, and fought against racism throughout her life.

Deep dives

Josephine Baker: Superstar Turned Spy

Josephine Baker, a world-famous singer and entertainer, led a remarkable double life as a spy for the Allies during World War II. While performing across Europe, Baker smuggled intelligence information written in invisible ink on her music scores and concealed photographs and documents in her underwear. She worked with a French intelligence officer posing as her assistant to transport and deliver crucial information to General De Gaulle in London. Baker's bravery and commitment to the resistance made her an inspiring figure, and she continued her activism by joining the civil rights movement and fighting against racism throughout her life.

Introduction

5min

Josephine Baker's Early Life and Journey to France

6min

Josephine Baker's Rise to Fame and Impact

8min

Josephine Baker: Spy, Activist, and Humanitarian

8min

Closing Segment and Sponsor Advertisements

2min

Josephine Baker was one of the most extraordinary people of the 20th century - and the first black woman honoured in the French Panthéon in 2021.

From an early life of poverty in St. Louis, America, to being a superstar singer, actress and dancer, to being a spy as part of the resistance against the Nazis.

For today’s episode, we’re sharing an episode from our sister podcast Dan Snow’s History Hit, where Dan is in conversation with Monique Y. Wells to discuss the life of Josephine Baker.

Monique is the co-founder of Entrée to Black Paris and a contributor on Paris’ Black history and culture.

This podcast was edited by Stuart Beckwith and Dougal Patmore. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.

Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.

Get 50% off your first 3 months with code BETWIXT. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at historyhit.com/subscribe.

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