description Josephine Baker Overview
American-born performer Josephine Baker became a major figure in French entertainment after moving from American vaudeville and Broadway chorus work to Paris. Her success in the 1920s included performances at the Folies Bergère, where her dancing and stage persona became closely associated with the Jazz Age. The artificial banana skirt remains a recognizable image from that period of her career. Baker's work connected African American performance traditions with Parisian revue culture, although the exotic image promoted around her also reflected the racial attitudes of the time.
She later developed her career as a singer and actress. During World War II, she gathered intelligence for the French Resistance and subsequently received French military honors. She is relevant to those interested in revue history and performers whose public lives extended into political action beyond the stage.
help Josephine Baker FAQ
Where did Josephine Baker become famous?
Baker became a star in Paris after achieving only modest recognition in American vaudeville and Broadway chorus lines. She rose to fame at the Folies Bergère in the mid-1920s, where her sensational performances made her one of the most celebrated entertainers in France.
What was Josephine Baker's famous banana skirt costume?
Baker's most iconic performance involved dancing in a skirt made of artificial bananas, worn during her act at the Folies Bergère in 1926. The costume became an enduring symbol of the Parisian jazz age and cemented Baker's status as an international celebrity.
Did Josephine Baker perform on Broadway before going to Paris?
Yes, Baker performed in the Broadway musical "Shuffle Along" in 1921, one of the first major Broadway shows created entirely by African American writers and performers. She was part of the chorus line but stood out enough to begin building a reputation before departing for Paris.
Did Josephine Baker serve in the French Resistance during World War II?
Yes, Baker worked as a spy for the French Resistance, using her celebrity status and international travel as cover to carry intelligence and hidden messages. She was later awarded the Croix de Guerre and the Légion d'Honneur for her service to France.
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