Josephine Baker's Paris, life of the woman in the banana skirt

Happy Birthday Josephine

June 3, 1906 – April 12, 1975

From KETC, LIVING ST. LOUIS 

Producer Ruth Ezell 

Here's an interesting video about Josephine Baker which takes a special look back at the life of Josephine Baker, the first African-American female to reach international stardom. Born in St. Louis in 1906, it was Baker's early years marked by poverty and transience that influenced her most. She lived in a racially divided neighborhood but would hang out in the entertainment district—watching performances that she could imitate on the streets for money. Baker's big break came when she moved to France and danced topless in a banana skirt. Despite her world-wide success, Baker used her celebrity status to break down racial barriers and focus on humanitarian efforts.