Josephine Baker - The Black Pearl

Josephine Baker was born 3rd June 1906 in St Louis, Missouri.   Josephine was quite a lady.  At the age of 13, she dropped out of school and lived as a street child but her street dancing was noticed and she was recruited for the St Louis Chorus Vaudeville Show at the age of 15.  She then headed to New York where she became the highest-paid chorus girl in vaudeville.

In 1925, Josephine sailed to Paris where she became an instant hit with her erotic dancing at the Theatre des Champs-Elysées and then went on to star at the Folies Bergere.

During WW2, Josephine worked for the resistance and was made a Chevalier of the Legion d'honneur by General de Gaulle.  During the 1950s, Josephine also supported the American Civil Rights Movement.

Josephine died in Paris in 1975 aged 68 and was buried with full French military honours.