ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ก.ย. 2024
- From Nine PBS, Living St. Louis Producer Ruth Ezell 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.
What a life she had, remarkable. She shows that its matters when good people do things to help others. When good people do nothing, evil prevails. RIP beautiful spirit.
have had the immense privilege and the honor to have worked with Miss Baker in 1975 @ Bobino. I was the youngest dancer in the cast . The show was called “ Josephine “ It was based on her life story celebrating her 50 years in show business from her humble beginning in St Louis to her triumphant comeback in Monte Carlo ....She used to call me “ her little page “ (Son petit page )cause of my age ! I just turned 18 th on April 1st 1975. luckily for me I have tons of memorable pics from the show as well as unforgettable stories of this short but amazing Run . ! She was extremely engaged with all of the dancers like a second mother . Wanting to know everyone ‘s names Josephine really truly care about people She was a true legend immensely talented beautiful ,elegant ,generous , humble & kind . She would bring oranges for the entire company saying “ My children you need lots Vit C for strength and energy “ She was so right cause the rehearsals were long and grueling ,,,. Bobino ‘s stage was too small to accommodate a cast of 8 boys 12 girls 3 comedians 1 little girl (who played young josephine ) and 1 gorgeous dancer who performed the famous banana dance ....so they had to transformed the stage by expanding it ; including putting additional seats in the theater and building brand new dressing rooms to accommodate such a big cast all while we were practicing in the lobby of The theater. ! It was bit chaotic to say the list & quite cold being mid -February But no one seemed to care cause it was so exciting to be part of this legendary show ! None of the big Paris music ‘halls like Le Casino de Paris ,Le Moulin Rouge or les Folies Bergére wanted to take the risk producing Miss baker mostly for insurance purposes There were already rumors circulating of her failing health but finally a small theater on Paris left bank called Bobino took a chance ...Josephine liked to rehearsed late at night after we were done .She even enjoyed having her favorite dish Spaghetti bolognese around 1 am at a restaurant right across the theater. I will never forget the 1 st time I saw her performing once the stage was finally ready. That night She was in the audience watching us dancing with huge smile on her face applauding many times throughout being so proud of the cast. After all she was watching part of her whole life story in front of her eyes. ... In fact during the promotion of the show a French journalist asked her. “ How does it feel to be the starring in a musical retrospective of your own life story ? She replied “ it’s wonderful ..At least i will get to see what they think of me when I am still around !!!! I When we were done the director Andre levasseur said “ josephine c ‘ est a vous “ she jumped on stage and belt a song from the Brazilian number called” Que c‘est bon de vivre” She seemed to be completely possessed by the rhythm of the Afro Cuban sound very reminiscing of “Princess Tam-Tam “ all those years earlier Her moves were so unbelievable. Her body was in perfect shape specially in her Chanel suit !!!! There is No way you would have guessed that this beautiful lady was in her late 60 ‘s. A goddess still !!!! What thrill for me. A true MASTER CLASS ,,,,,,, I ‘ve enjoyed this documentary immensely specially listening the immensely talented Andre Levasseur speaking so kindly about her I just wanted to make few points . We rehearsed the show for about 1 month and half . We actually did more than 4 performances. We started with one week of previews on March 25 th with a special Press night on march 31 st to glorious reviews ! We had another full week of performances with a big opening gala on April 8 th with stars like Grace Kelly Sophia Loren & Alain Delon among many however neither Jackie ‘O ,Diana Ross .Mick jagger or Liza Minelli ever attended any of performances . We had another show on the 9 th . She felt into a coma the 10 th and past in the early hours on the 12 th. We were invited VIP at her funeral ..Miss Baker had full military honor at la Madeleine church She reposes at the cemetery of Monaco. I went recently to pay my respects 45 years later. Josephine paved the way for Diana Ross Madonna Beyoncé and many other artists. A true legend. Unparalleled. ❤️❤️❤️.
thank you for sharing your story ❤
@@lumenbennett5615 you are so welcome. Thank you for your kind comment. th-cam.com/video/sE0NVLL0pKU/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for sharing your memories.
@@cittaromap4163 her passing must have been devastating for you. 💔
and now josephine enters to the panthéon .bravo josephine
Josephine was a truly transcendent figure. Far more than a performer. Really heroic in all the ways that count. Why have we not set aside a day to honor this unique woman?
The talent never diminished, the enthusiasm never wavered. She loved her audiences and they loved her right back
I have worked with this legend in 1975 @ the Bobino theater. It was her last show. It was about her life From her growing up in St Louis til The Sporting Club in Monaco summer 1974. Celebrating her 50 years in show business. She was so kind generous always attentive to the whole crew She never sounded better. So fit and gorgeous it was a triumphant comeback !!!! The public stood and applause for 5 minutes shouting Je t aime Josephine !!!! It was very emotional to see her beloved Paris never forgotten her. I will cherish this experience all my life I recently
went to her grave in Monaco to pay my respect to Madame Baker.43 years later ❤️
France did not forget her .....elle reste une Star , une Légende....et grande patriote décorée de sa patrie la France...Joséphine fait partie de l'Histoire de la France , France gave the Statue of Liberty to the US and US gave us Joséphine Baker...
Amazing ❤
Amber Pickens thank you. ❤️
I personally would have loved knowing her.Two eccentric women..yes,I would've liked her.Unafraid to be different.She a performer on the stage, me on paper.I'm a chrysalis about to emerge.I'm into men,she was into everyone.But,why bring that up?Two artists against the odds.Me and the late Josephine.I'm always in trouble on Facebook,etc. because I dare say what others only think,etc.Oh well..🤔
@@deloreswilson1798 Nothing wrong for being outspoken in fact josephine always fought for prejudice and hate in all its forms. I was lucky to have been by her side and get to know her in her last 3 months of her life. Be well. JP
Viva la France! Without it she would never become who she was; America will never be ready for such a human extraordinare. RIP Cher Josephine
Josephine Baker was an incredible, remarkable woman. Before anyone did anything, Josephine did everything! Fashion icon, diva extraordinaire, singer, dancer, humanitarian, mother, sister, lady, inspiration to all, civil rights activist, legend--these are just a few of the terms that describe La Baker. She was one of the most wonderful women that ever lived. Her birthday should be a national holiday!
Very well said!!
You aren't kidding so ahead of her time, beautiful, full of vitality..dynamic...amazing woman.
She is out of sight, awesomely excellent, and wonderfully beautiful! A Goddess!
To travel across the Atlantic in those days took great courage. To overcome despite the prejudice of that era was a huge accomplishment. An AMAZING woman.
She was Amazing. Talented. Elegant, Beautiful. She was just Everything.
Once in a time does this happen.
Thank you. I had chills throughout this clip...especially towards the end. Its deep...very touching for me. TANTI JOSEPHINE":)
Che Josephine was FABULOUS! She was a champion and a warrior!!! 😘
Amazing. I have lived in St. Louis all my life and have know of Josephine Baker, but had no idea what an accomplished person she was. She is a true 'World' Hero.
une Héroïne Française....une Icone Française....la France ne l'oublia pas....un miracle de talent de courage et une visionaire... trés Chère Joséphine ....
What an incredible woman. Beautiful, talented and a humanitarian...
I always admired. Josephine!!! Loved all her songs and had pleasure singing them at parties!!! In New York I used to eat at her son restaurant and always had fun singing her songs with the pianist. At the end of her life I went to see her performance in Monaco for the red cross. At the age of 15 saw her at the Folies Bergères.
Wow! What a documentary! St. Louis's Own Queen! I'm so proud of her!! 👍💖👍
great great and amazing woman!!!! simply awesome !!!!
So glad to see this documentary and keeping josephine baker legacy alive and well. I had the immense privilege and the honor to have worked with Miss Baker in 1975 @ Bobino. I was the youngest dancer in the cast . The show was called “ Josephine “ It was based on her life story celebrating her 50 years in show business from her humble beginning in St Louis to her triumphant comeback in Monte Carlo .A magnificent retrospective consisting of many musical tableaux The costumes were incredibly beautiful no expenses were too high for Miss Baker She used to call me “ her little page “ (Son petit page )cause of my age ! I just turned 18 th on April 1st 1975. She was like mother to all of us. “Notre Maman de Music hall “luckily for me I have tons of memorable pics from the show as well as unforgettable stories of this short but amazing Run . ! She was extremely engaged with all of the dancers like a second mother . Wanting to know everyone ‘s names Josephine really truly care about people She was a true legend immensely talented beautiful ,elegant ,generous , humble & kind . She would bring oranges for the entire company saying “ My children you need lots Vit C for strength and energy “ She was so right cause the rehearsals were long and grueling ,,,. Bobino ‘s stage was too small to accommodate a cast of 8 boys 12 girls 3 comedians 1 little girl (who played young josephine ) and 1 gorgeous dancer who performed the famous banana dance ....so they had to transformed the stage by expanding it ; including putting additional seats in the theater and building brand new dressing rooms to accommodate such a big cast all while we were practicing in the lobby of The theater. ! It was bit chaotic to say the list & quite cold being mid -February But no one seemed to care cause it was so exciting to be part of this legendary show ! None of the big Paris music ‘halls like Le Casino de Paris ,Le Moulin Rouge or les Folies Bergére wanted to take the risk producing Miss baker mostly for insurance purposes There were already rumors circulating of her failing health but finally a small theater on Paris left bank called Bobino took a chance ...Josephine liked to rehearsed late at night after we were done .She even enjoyed having her favorite dish Spaghetti bolognese around 1 am at a restaurant right across the theater. I will never forget the 1 st time I saw her performing once the stage was finally ready. That night She was in the audience watching us dancing with huge smile on her face applauding many times throughout being so proud of the cast. After all she was watching part of her whole life story in front of her eyes. ... In fact during the promotion of the show a French journalist asked her. “ How does it feel to be the starring in a musical retrospective of your own life story ? She replied “ it’s wonderful ..At least i will get to see what they think of me when I am still around !!!! I When we were done the director Andre levasseur said “ josephine c ‘ est a vous “ she jumped on stage and belt a song from the Brazilian number called” Que c‘est bon de vivre” She seemed to be completely possessed by the rhythm of the Afro Cuban sound very reminiscing of “Princess Tam-Tam “ all those years earlier Her moves were so unbelievable. Her body was in perfect shape specially in her Chanel suit !!!! There is No way you would have guessed that this beautiful lady was in her late 60 ‘s. A goddess still !!!! What thrill for me. A true Master “CLASS “,,,,,,, We rehearsed the show for about 1 month and half . We actually did more than 4 performances. We started with one week of previews on March 25 th with a special Press night on march 31 st to glorious reviews ! We had another full week of performances with a big opening gala on April 8 th with stars like Grace Kelly Sophia Loren & Alain Delon among many however neither Jackie ‘O ,Diana Ross Shirley Bassey or Liza Minelli ever attended any of performances . We had another show on the 9 th . She felt into a coma the 10 th and past in the early hours on the 12 th. We were invited VIP at her funeral ..Miss Baker had full military honor at la Madeleine church She reposes at the cemetery of Monaco. I went recently to pay my respects 46 years later. Josephine paved the way for Diana Ross Madonna Beyoncé and many other artists. A true legend. Unparalleled. ❤️❤️❤️. Check Photo of Bobino with La Baker et moi. Just Type. “Josephine baker and me Cittaroma P
She married Willie Wells around 1919 and then Married Willie "Billy" Baker in 1921. Her marriage to Mr Wells was so brief that she usually NEVER mentioned or acknowledged him.
She was an amazing woman.
Thank you for this amazing documentary ...Keeping it real....we need more Researchers to enlighten our youth.
My God Im a fool for havinf just realized how amazing she was! Magnifique! I love her!
THE BEST OF THE BEST ROLE MODEL FOR ANY ONE
From Freda Josephine McDonald to Josephine Baker. From St.Louis to New York to Paris. From humble beginnings to worldwide acclaim. The road that Josephine Baker took made her the toast of the world, especially in France, the country that made her the star that she was. Just like her medium-light brown skin, she glowed like a light bulb. So radiant and beautiful, so gifted in many ways. A treasure if there ever was one. She deserves to be celebrated.
I wish Jo was still living to see the advent of the computer She has 2 or 3 generations watching her performances on "You Tube"
Her humanism and wisdom was unique at the time
A truly remarkable woman. Thanks for posting this.
Wow! What an incredible woman!
I have always loved her and been a big fan. So ahead of her time.
Growing up in St. Louis in the 1940s and '50s I was very aware of Josephine Baker, her talent, her fame, and her St. Louis roots. When I was growing up, St. Louis was strictly segregated. BUT, interestingly, if you were a white kid who wanted to know black kids (I did) or a black kid who wanted to know white kids, there were ways to do it. Wise adults in the city make sure it did through special events and projects. That's how black kids ended up in places open only to white kids sometime.
pure legend
St.Louis's Own Josephine Baker (1906-1975) #RIP 😇😇😇
I’m from St. Louis and I’m fascinated and I always have been fascinated by Joséphine Baker. My mother and I were able to attend her exhibit in 2006 at the Sheldon here in St. Louis. It’s funny because my brother is a Performer and actually lives in Berlin and has been there since 1983!! He’s still travels all over the world and performs. I am going to be finding some of her landmarks here in St. Louis… we need a monument in her name.
I'm so glad this video is here. Thanks! a million stars!
incredible
She was a pure delight. No Swiss watch ever had a movement as good as hers.
St. Louis is a great music town. Josephine Baker, Scott Joplin, Henry Townsend, Robert Nighthawk, Miles Davis, Ike Turner, Oliver Sain, Johnnie Johnson, Chuck Berry, Albert King, Little Milton, Fontella Bass and many more.
THIS WAS AWESOME!
Wow she was remarkable incredible all the above I got a remember her every time I go through a struggle..Thank you Josephine Baker
What a thorough tribute! Never knew about the Fanny Brice Ziegfeld situation; the real reason she returned to France (interesting contrast when you think of Al Jolson's success and marriage to Ruby Keeler who was a close friend of Brice's and a Ziegfeld star)j. Josephine dated a lot of white guys including Hemingway who described her as Tall, coffee skin, ebony eyes, legs of paradise, a smile to end all smiles
My God she was beautiful!
St Louis need more history on the city itself
what a incredibly amazing and beautiful woman!!!!!
So interesting! I learned so much that the HBO movie doesnt tell. LUVED IT! Glad 2 B a St. Louisan!
She was a hero. Elle a gagne la croix de guerre.
I remember having to read and answer questions on a quiz about Josephine (reading comprehension for my nursing entry program) i skipped over the reading and answered all the questions 😅 years after watching the movie when i took the test.
Love you Josephine 🖤🐆
Really great! I had picked up scraps of the stories over the years... really appreciate the focus!
Beautiful sister in and out
Beautiful
Excellent documentary
Thank you for sharing
I salute this great lady.
World famous artist COTTI painted life sized oils of Ms. Baker. When he was a teenager Ms. Baker offered him the opportunity to travel to Paris in her troupe to draw the designs of her breathtaking gowns. He was still in school so Mom would not agree at that time. When COTTI traveled to Paris Ms. Baker had passed away and he was not able to locate her family. He was on commission by Orson Welles. I danced on stage with her when I was about 4 years old and have been mesmerized by her strong human rights courage and have followed the path less traveled but never the caliber of Ms. Baker. I'll share this with my brother today. Thank you. The audio didn't work by the way.
Love josephine
Stunning!!
All I have to say is, where is the movie paying tribute to this goddess? Only a super human could navigate the obstacles and barriers she did and achieve all the wonderful things she did.
The Josephine Baker Story, is an excellent portrayal of her life story, starring Lynn Whitfield.
Before Grace Jones, Lola Falana, La Lupe, Beyonce, Rihana, Eartha Kitt, Toni Braxton, Cher and TinaTurner there was the original classic diva, JOSEPHINE BAKER!🎼🎶🎶💃🗼🐆
She saved many jews..God bless her❤
BRAVO!
Beautiful soul bravo x
Fasinating and a full life
captivating woman
An Honor to an Hero to us all
In other French video, they say french people suffer and we're traumatized by WW1. It was easy to accept african ism and Afro-American ism during this time. And she came at a good time... In a video not allowed with J.Baker,s life. A black creole woman can be maried to a Frenchman in France since the 19th century.
$500 in 1925 is worth $8,578.00 today, which is what Miss Josephine was sending her mother (at minimum) every month.
Baker was a major influence of Star Treks Nichelle Nichols.
ALSO SANG EN ESPANOL
She wasn't the first Henrietta venton Davis was they wrote her out of history because of her support for marcus garvey ...
truth doctor @ wake up african people Seriously dude, punctuation!
We love you Jo.....
Before Lady Gaga there was Josphine Baker
What was the name of the story and the character that inspired Josephine Bakers banana skirt dance?
Black, white, blue or green...
Maybe her ancestors have do good things,
To grant the poor little girl
Who was born in a royal town,
The divine grace
To became for ever and ever the Queen of Paris.
Joséphine nous t'aimerons toujours !
WOW?!!
She was a hustler too
I met Joie in 1919. How? It's called reincarnation, but this then life I died during wartime in 1943. She (Joie) was more than more, & we loved each other for a time, or maybe it was just my feelings after a short time together. Regardless of reports & performances about her cross-dressing, she was 100% female to me.
Elementary School of St Louis named Dumas is Alexandre Dumas ? The french writer ?
She was also in the French military during WWII as a spy against Nazie Germany.
Thankyouback
these were our privareu yayas
I think everyone fighting over what Josephine was, how she performed, who she was are simply HORRIBLE. There's a biography out that says her real father was a white man and that her step father was a black man. BIG FREAKIN DEAL. that racial mixture doesn't define Josephine as a person. I'm also the product of a mutliracial family, but my every day existence isn't based on that! if she's black, she's black...who cares! LOOK AT THE TALENT AND INSPIRATION SHE EXUDED!
She is not completely black if her father,or mother were white. I know her mother was black. But if her father was not,than she is not a BLACK WOMAN. She is than MIXED. As I am too.
Lol the fact that this argument doesn't take away the bs treatment she had to take on for being what again? .....I'll wait
and you don't mention Princess Grace and what happened to J. Baker!?? strange
This women was Hot!!!!!!
I love you!!!
I'll take $500.00 a month in 2020. I can only image how much money that equates to today.
The U.S nor St.Louis don’t deserve to claim her. They treated her so bad.
To:Ms.African Narrator of the(Dancer Josephine Baker. . .)
you resemble,actress Ms.Elizabeth Montgomery,as Samentha Stevens,from the 1960's sit'com'Bewitched': 8--19--2022'
All human beings are children of god.
JOHN 3:16 FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE.
ROMANS 6:23 FOR THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH, BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.
Shame On America Josephine Baker Is never noticed in Black History Month
What happened to the children?
That is so crazy of that time. Every thing was about race. Like a over kill. of Race
David Ingram + Still is ! all about race .
what?
Car Dieu! Josephine etait une femme noire, fin de l'histoire.
her father was not white where did you hear that?
leplaq yea she was illegitimate to a German man her mom worked for
no harsh language my ass
She was American...Not African American...Period
Don't you understand because she was black she suffered a lot of racism and have to break down barriers and doors .. if she was equal , why didn't Americans embrace her as much as the French ,, she had to live in Paris for a reason !!!
Israel Sharif. She was black
Israel Sharif. Have you seen her skin colour she is black
Meredith A *African American *
African Americans -- that is, the descendants of enslaved West and Central Africans brought to North America -- are Americans. Why do some people, who can't even see past their color and African physical features, want to steal African Americans' African heritage from them? It's puzzling. Anybody who is sentient can see how much African Americans have retained of their African ancestors' cultural traits, through their music and dance. Josephine Baker was no exception in that regard. It was those aspects of who she was that fascinated the French.
I love her face, but what this video shows of her dancing leaves much to be desired.
she was a dancer from the streets not an accomplished dancer. and dance was different then. another era. look at the supporting dancers they were not so good either. can't compare, different era and time. enjoy it for what it was and don't be so critical. for the time it was great.
A black woman with a blondish streak in her hair? So how black she is? Stop this racist thing.
Because she African-American. Most of us have seriously mixed dna. Like African, European(Irish/Scottish/Wales), Balkan and Meso-American & Andean this is mine.
had the immense privilege and the honor to have worked with Miss Baker in 1975 @ Bobino. I was the youngest dancer in the cast . The show was called “ Josephine “ It was based on her life story celebrating her 50 years in show business from her humble beginning in St Louis to her triumphant comeback in Monte Carlo ....She used to call me “ her little page “ (Son petit page )cause of my age ! I just turned 18 th on April 1st 1975. luckily for me I have tons of memorable pics from the show as well as unforgettable stories of this short but amazing run. ! She was extremely engaged with all of the dancers .Wanting to know everyone ‘s names .Josephine really truly care about people She was a true legend immensely talented beautiful ,elegant ,generous , humble & kind . She would bring oranges for the entire company saying “ My children you need lots Vit C for strength and energy “ She was so right cause the rehearsals were long and grueling ,,,. Bobino ‘s stage was too small to accommodate a cast of 8 boys 12 girls 3 comedians 1 little girl who played young josephine and 1 gorgeous dancer who perform the famous banana dance ! so they had to transformed the stage by expanding it including putting additional seats in the theater and building brand new dressing rooms to accommodate such a big cast all while we were practicing in the lobby of The theater. ! It was bit chaotic to say the list & quite cold being mid -February But no one seemed to care it was so exciting to be part of this show ! Even though None of the big Paris music ‘halls like Le Casino de Paris ,Le Moulin Rouge or les Folies Bergere wanted to take the risk producing Miss baker mostly for insurance purposes There were already rumors circulating of her failing health but a small theater on Paris left bank called Bobino took a chance ...Josephine liked to rehearsed late at night after we were done .She even enjoyed having her favorite dish Spaghetti bolognese around 1 am at a restaurant right across the theater. I will never forget the 1 st time I saw her performing once the stage was finally ready. That night She was in the audience watching us dancing with huge smile on her face applauding many times throughout being so proud of the cast. After all she was watching part of her whole life story in front of her eyes. ... In fact during the promotion of the show a French journalist asked her. “ How does it feel to see your life story being played and starring in your own life musical ? She replied “ it’s wonderful At least i will see what they think of me when I am still alive !!!! I When we were done the director Andre levasseur said “ josephine c ‘ est a vous “ she jumped on stage and belt a song from the Brazilian number called” Que c‘est bon de vivre” She seemed to be completely possessed by the rhythm of the Afro Cuban sound very reminiscing of “Princess Tam-Tam “ all those years earlier Her moves were so unbelievable. Her body was in perfect shape specially in her Chanel suit !!!! There is No way you would have guessed that this beautiful lady was in her late 60 ‘s. A goddess still !!!! What thrill for me. A true MASTER CLASS ,,,,,,, I have enjoyed the Documentary immensely. We rehearsed the show for about 1 month and half . We actually did more than 4 performances. We started with one week of previews on March 25 th with a special Press night on march 31 st to glorious reviews ! We had another full week of performances with a big opening gala on April 8 th with stars like Grace Kelly’s Sophia Loren & Alain Delon. We had another performance on the 9 th contrary of what the narrator of this docu says. She felt into a coma the 10 th and past on the early hours on the 12 th. Josephine paved the way for Diana Ross Madonna Beyoncé and many other artists. A true legend. Unparalleled. ❤️❤️❤️