Josephine Baker: The Life and Career of a Famous French Actress
Jan 2024 · Efalon Acies
Ebook
32
Pages
family_home
Eligible
info
reportRatings and reviews aren’t verified Learn More
About this ebook
Josephine Baker, a multifaceted French entertainer, emerged not only as a captivating performer but also as a courageous figure in the French Resistance and a fervent advocate for civil rights. Born in the United States, Baker found her artistic haven in Europe, particularly in France, where she carved her niche as the first Black woman to grace the screen in a major motion picture. Collaborating on the silent film "Siren of the Tropics" in 1927 marked a groundbreaking moment in cinematic history.
Her early career witnessed Baker's dazzling performances at the renowned Folies Bergère revues in Paris. The 1927 revue, "Un vent de folie," stirred the city's cultural landscape, thanks to Baker's iconic outfit—comprising a daring artificial banana skirt and a beaded necklace. This ensemble not only became an emblem of the Jazz Age and the Roaring Twenties but also solidified Baker's status as a trailblazer.
Acknowledged as the "Black Venus," the "Black Pearl," the "Bronze Venus," and the "Creole Goddess" by contemporary artists and intellectuals, Baker's impact transcended entertainment. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Baker underwent a transformative journey when she married French industrialist Jean Lion in 1937, leading her to embrace French citizenship and nurture her family in the heart of France.
World War II saw Baker's heroic involvement in the French Resistance, earning her accolades such as the Resistance Medal, the Croix de Guerre from the French military, and the title of Chevalier of the Légion d'honneur from General Charles de Gaulle. Declaring her love for both her nation and Paris, Baker's commitment extended beyond artistic boundaries.
Her early career witnessed Baker's dazzling performances at the renowned Folies Bergère revues in Paris. The 1927 revue, "Un vent de folie," stirred the city's cultural landscape, thanks to Baker's iconic outfit—comprising a daring artificial banana skirt and a beaded necklace. This ensemble not only became an emblem of the Jazz Age and the Roaring Twenties but also solidified Baker's status as a trailblazer.
Acknowledged as the "Black Venus," the "Black Pearl," the "Bronze Venus," and the "Creole Goddess" by contemporary artists and intellectuals, Baker's impact transcended entertainment. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Baker underwent a transformative journey when she married French industrialist Jean Lion in 1937, leading her to embrace French citizenship and nurture her family in the heart of France.
World War II saw Baker's heroic involvement in the French Resistance, earning her accolades such as the Resistance Medal, the Croix de Guerre from the French military, and the title of Chevalier of the Légion d'honneur from General Charles de Gaulle. Declaring her love for both her nation and Paris, Baker's commitment extended beyond artistic boundaries.
Rate this ebook
Tell us what you think.
Reading information
Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.
