# Josephine Baker

> American-born French dancer, singer and actress (1906–1975)

**Wikidata**: [Q151972](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q151972)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josephine_Baker)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/josephine-baker

## Summary
Josephine Baker was an American-born French dancer, singer, and actress (1906–1975) who became a global icon of the 20th century. Known as the "Black Pearl" and "The Greatest Show on Earth," she was celebrated for her multi-talented performances, activism, and influence on civil rights and LGBTQ+ rights. Baker broke racial barriers in entertainment and became a symbol of freedom and resistance during World War II.

## Biography
- Born: June 3, 1906, in St. Louis, Missouri, United States
- Nationality: American (born), French (naturalized)
- Education: Trained in dance and singing in the United States and Europe
- Known for: Pioneering as a Black entertainer in Europe and the U.S., advocating for civil rights and LGBTQ+ rights, and performing in Parisian music halls and Broadway
- Employer(s): Columbia Records, RCA Records, Mercury Records, and various theaters and nightclubs
- Field(s): Performing arts, activism, and civil rights

## Contributions
- Performed in Parisian music halls and Broadway, breaking racial barriers in entertainment.
- Advocated for civil rights and LGBTQ+ rights, using her platform to challenge discrimination.
- Recorded and released music under major labels like Columbia Records and RCA Records.
- Appeared in films and theater productions, contributing to the cultural exchange between the U.S. and Europe.
- Served as a symbol of resistance during World War II, performing for Allied troops and raising funds for the French Resistance.

## FAQs
**What was Josephine Baker's most famous performance?**
Josephine Baker was known as "The Greatest Show on Earth" and "The Black Pearl" for her groundbreaking performances in Parisian music halls and Broadway. Her shows combined dance, singing, and theatricality, making her a global sensation.

**How did Josephine Baker advocate for civil rights?**
Josephine Baker used her fame to challenge racial and LGBTQ+ discrimination. She performed in integrated venues, supported civil rights causes, and became a symbol of freedom and resistance during World War II.

**Which record labels did Josephine Baker work with?**
Josephine Baker recorded music under major labels including Columbia Records, RCA Records, and Mercury Records. Her recordings contributed to her global popularity and cultural influence.

**What was Josephine Baker's role in World War II?**
During World War II, Josephine Baker performed for Allied troops and raised funds for the French Resistance. She became a symbol of resistance and freedom, using her platform to support the war effort.

**What awards did Josephine Baker receive?**
Josephine Baker received several honors, including the Knight of the Legion of Honour from France and the Croix de guerre 1939–1945 for her contributions to the war effort. She was also recognized for her activism and cultural impact.

## Why They Matter
Josephine Baker mattered as a pioneering entertainer who broke racial and LGBTQ+ barriers in the entertainment industry. Her performances in Paris and Broadway challenged societal norms and inspired future generations of performers. Baker's activism for civil rights and her role as a symbol of resistance during World War II made her a cultural icon. Her legacy continues to influence discussions on race, gender, and freedom in the arts and activism.

## Notable For
- Breaking racial barriers as a Black entertainer in Europe and the U.S.
- Advocating for civil rights and LGBTQ+ rights through her performances and activism.
- Performing in Parisian music halls and Broadway, making her a global sensation.
- Recording music under major labels like Columbia Records and RCA Records.
- Serving as a symbol of resistance during World War II, performing for Allied troops and raising funds for the French Resistance.
- Receiving prestigious awards, including the Knight of the Legion of Honour and the Croix de guerre 1939–1945.

## Body
### Early Life and Career
Josephine Baker was born Freda Josephine McDonald on June 3, 1906, in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. She began her career in the U.S. as a dancer and singer, performing in music halls and theaters. Baker's talent and charisma quickly made her a star, and she became known as "The Greatest Show on Earth" for her dynamic performances.

### Breakthrough in Europe
In the 1920s, Josephine Baker moved to Europe and became a sensation in Parisian music halls. Her performances combined dance, singing, and theatricality, making her a global icon. Baker was celebrated as "The Black Pearl" for her beauty and talent, breaking racial barriers in the entertainment industry.

### Activism and Civil Rights
Josephine Baker used her fame to advocate for civil rights and LGBTQ+ rights. She performed in integrated venues and supported causes that challenged discrimination. Baker's activism made her a symbol of freedom and resistance, inspiring future generations of activists.

### World War II and Resistance
During World War II, Josephine Baker performed for Allied troops and raised funds for the French Resistance. She became a symbol of resistance, using her platform to support the war effort. Baker's contributions during the war earned her prestigious awards, including the Croix de guerre 1939–1945.

### Recording and Film Career
Josephine Baker recorded music under major labels like Columbia Records, RCA Records, and Mercury Records. Her recordings contributed to her global popularity and cultural influence. Baker also appeared in films and theater productions, further expanding her reach and impact.

### Legacy and Influence
Josephine Baker's legacy continues to influence discussions on race, gender, and freedom in the arts and activism. Her pioneering work as an entertainer and activist made her a cultural icon, inspiring future generations of performers and activists. Baker's contributions to the entertainment industry and her role in civil rights history ensure her lasting impact.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/theater/show/42001/The-Sensational-Josephine-Baker/overview)
3. [death certificate](https://archives.paris.fr/arkotheque/visionneuse/visionneuse.php?arko=YTo2OntzOjQ6ImRhdGUiO3M6MTA6IjIwMjMtMDMtMzEiO3M6MTA6InR5cGVfZm9uZHMiO3M6MTE6ImFya29fc2VyaWVsIjtzOjQ6InJlZjEiO2k6NDtzOjQ6InJlZjIiO2k6MjcyNzMyO3M6MTY6InZpc2lvbm5ldXNlX2h0bWwiO2I6MTtzOjIxOiJ2aXNpb25uZXVzZV9odG1sX21vZGUiO3M6NDoicHJvZCI7fQ==#uielem_move=-241%2C23&uielem_islocked=0&uielem_zoom=176&uielem_brightness=0&uielem_contrast=0&uielem_isinverted=0&uielem_rotate=F)
4. Biographical Dictionary of Afro-American and African Musicians
5. [Source](http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/01439680701443085)
6. BnF authorities
7. IMDb
8. [Review/Design; When America Stole the Runway From Paris Couture](http://www.nytimes.com/1993/09/10/arts/review-design-when-america-stole-the-runway-from-paris-couture.html)
9. [Source](https://www.servicehistorique.sga.defense.gouv.fr/dossier-individuel/josephine-baker-1906-1975)
10. The Fine Art Archive
11. [Source](https://www.lepoint.fr/societe/monaco-hommage-a-josephine-baker-avant-son-entree-au-pantheon-29-11-2021-2454330_23.php)
12. [Source](https://www.lefigaro.fr/culture/il-y-a-46-ans-paris-faisait-ses-adieux-a-josephine-baker-20211127)
13. [Source](https://www.elysee.fr/emmanuel-macron/2021/08/23/pantheonisation-de-josephine-baker)
14. [Source](http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/entertainment-jan-june98-harlem_3-6/)
15. [Source](http://www.zazzle.com/josephine+baker+posters)
16. [Source](http://www.zazzle.com/josephine+baker+art)
17. [Source](http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/josephine-baker-american-artist-of-music-hall-sitting-in-news-photo/56227300)
18. [Source](http://bedazzled.blogs.com/bedazzled/2013/12/about-the-new-sandrose-reissue-on-guerssen-from-eden-to-rose-castles-made-of-sand-by-astro-mocker-.html)
19. [Source](http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/paris-oh-que-jaime-paris/283829?ean=727031706922)
20. [Source](https://www.fye.com/s/product/2795475/Fernandel-Grandes-Chansons)
21. [Source](http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=josephine+baker+signed)
22. [Joséphine Baker](https://www.legiondhonneur.fr/fr/decores/josephine-baker/1879)
23. Notable Black American Women
24. BlackPast.org
25. MusicBrainz
26. Virtual International Authority File
27. Discogs
28. Lingua Libre
29. [Source](http://pid.emory.edu/ark:/25593/8xz6v)
30. [Source](https://archives.nypl.org/scm/25627)
31. [Source](https://www.milandes.com/)
32. [Source](https://www.francebleu.fr/culture/patrimoine/yvelines-la-villa-du-vesinet-le-troisieme-amour-de-josephine-baker-1638220261)
33. [Source](https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/provence-alpes-cote-d-azur/alpes-maritimes/menton/roquebrune-cap-martin-nouveau-souffle-josephine-baker-1627103.html)
34. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
35. SNAC
36. Internet Broadway Database
37. Find a Grave
38. filmportal.de
39. FemBio database
40. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
41. Czech National Authority Database
42. Roglo
43. Proleksis Encyclopedia
44. Croatian Encyclopedia
45. Munzinger Personen
46. NNDB
47. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
48. [Source](https://www.agspak-buecher.de/G-Notz-Hg-Wegbereiterinnen-Beruehmte-und-zu-Unrecht-vergessene-Frauen-aus-der-Geschichte)
49. CONOR.SI
50. BBC Things