Everything Everywhere Daily

The Extraordinary Life of Josephine Baker

Dec 5, 2023

Josephine Baker, one of the most significant entertainers of the first half of the 20th century and a highly effective spy during the Second World War, had an extraordinary life. From her turbulent childhood and life-altering experience to her rise from street corners to Broadway, she overcame numerous obstacles. Her later life was marked by her adoption of twelve children, involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, and financial struggles. Josephine Baker's enduring legacy is seen in her influence on black women performers and her status as an adopted citizen of France.

15:10

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Josephine Baker

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Quick takeaways

Josephine Baker overcame poverty and obstacles to become a highly successful entertainer in the first half of the 20th century.

Josephine Baker used her fame as a spy during World War II, gathering valuable information for French counter-intelligence officials.

Deep dives

Josephine Baker's Rise to Fame

Josephine Baker, born into poverty, overcame numerous obstacles to become one of the most significant entertainers of the first half of the 20th century. Despite her humble background, she found success as a dancer, performer, and eventually as an operatic diva in France. Her scandalous performances, combined with her comedic and physical skills, made her immensely popular in Paris during the Harlem Renaissance. She gained fame, endorsement deals, and friendships with renowned artists and writers like Ernest Hemingway and Pablo Picasso.

Introduction

3min

Josephine Baker's Turbulent Childhood and Life-Altering Experience

2min

Josephine Baker: From Street Corners to Broadway

7min

The Later Life and Legacy of Josephine Baker

3min

Josephine Baker: An Enduring Legacy

2min

The woman the world would know as Josephine Baker was born into abject poverty in 1906 in Saint Louis, Missouri.

Despite her humble background and numerous obstacles in her way, she became one of the most significant entertainers of the first half of the 20th century. However, the way she found success was unlike any of her contemporaries.

She later used her fame and celebrity as a highly effective spy during the Second World War.

Learn more about the incredible life of Josephine Baker on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily.

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Executive Producer: Charles Daniel

Associate Producers: Peter Bennett & Cameron Kieffer

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