Josephine baker biography for children
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Josephine Baker
American-born French dancer, singer, resistance member and actress (–)
For other people named Josephine Baker, see Josephine Baker (disambiguation).
Josephine Baker | |
|---|---|
Baker in | |
| Born | Freda Josephine McDonald ()June 3, St. Louis, Missouri, US |
| Died | April 12, () (aged&#;68) Paris, France |
| Resting place | Panthéon |
| Nationality | American (renounced) French (–) |
| Occupation(s) | Vedette, singer, dancer, actress, civil rights activist, French Resistance agent |
| Years&#;active | – |
| Spouses | Willie Wells &#; &#; (m.&#;; div.&#;)&#;William Baker &#; &#; (m.&#;; div.&#;)&#;Jean Lion &#; &#; (m.&#;; div.&#;)&#;Jo Bouillon &#; &#; (m.&#;; div.&#;)&#; |
| Partner(s) | Robert Brady (–) |
| Children | 12; Jean-Claude Baker presented himself as her foster son (contested by the Baker children[1][2]) |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Labels | |
Musical artist | |
Freda Josephine Baker (née&#;McDonald; June 3, – April 12, ), naturalized as Joséphine Baker, was an American-born French dancer, singer, and actress. Her career was centered primarily in Europe, mostly in France. She was the first black
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World renowned performer, World War II spy, and activist are few of the titles used to describe Josephine Baker. One of the most successful African American performers in French history, Baker’s career illustrates the ways entertainers can use their platforms to change the world.
On June 3, , Freda Josephine McDonald was born in St. Louis, Missouri. Her parents, both entertainers, performed throughout the segregated Midwest often bringing her on stage during their shows. Unfortunately, their careers never took off, forcing the young Baker to look for odd jobs to survive. If she was unable to find work she would often dance on the streets, collecting money from onlookers. Eventually, her routine caught the attention of an African American theatre troupe. At the age of 15, Baker ran off and began to perform with the group. She also married during this time, taking her husband’s last name and dropping her first name, becoming Josephine Baker.
Baker flourished as a dancer in several Vaudeville shows, which was a popular theatre genre in the 20th century. She eventually moved to New York City and participated in the celebration of black life and art now known as the Harlem Renaissance. A few years later her success took her to Paris. Baker became one of the most sought-after p
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