Josephine Baker medley: Voila Paris 1955 ...

[@InPotatoITrust]

The fact that she spoke excellent French even tho she was born and raised in America

[@ThinkForYourself2025]

She was a spy for France during WW2.

[@osimeon00]

Smooth skin, body snatched, face beat, amazing dresses, braids, a headdress. She was fabulous! 💥❤

[@sissysovereign1294]

And to think she was already half a century old in here when this was recorded

[@markfisher2121]

Non, c'est Joséphine Baker 🌹

[@purpleivory2]

Dorothy Dandridge possibly?

[@zhescott4612]

YAAASSS Queen. She was Iconic: Please sign this petition to honor her today.

[@LettingGo757]

@@purpleivory2 it clearly says Josephine Baker In the title 😅

[@tonyvelez1656]

Josephine Baker was 60 years ahead of her time. What an extraordinary artist.

[@francoisegauthier4274]

Vous n'avez jamais vu danser Zizi Jeanmaire ?

[@JassminaVellucci]

So sad that the Americans never appreciated her as much as the French. The had so love for her Country of birth and the country that loved her and made her famous.

[@rodlecid]

She was so in love with France that she became an active member of the French resistance during WWII. She was named a member of "les compagnons de la libération" by Charles de Gaulle, a privilege only share by very few people. She also became a French citizen in 1936. A great, genuine and generous lady.

[@pierlouis7325]

She made herself famous.lol

[@ngangnaganag]

She made money , of course they would love her

[@anyaw340]

They loved her because she was "exotic" to them, but she was still Westernized, so she was still accessible/relatable at the same time. At the time in Europe, the exotic/wild African stereotypes were in fashion in art, and she played into it (hence the banana skirt and her unique way of dancing). Notice that her image was highly racialized in France, although this was not intended to be racist/insulting. In America, there was nothing "exotic' about black people. Black people had been in America in huge numbers for almost as long as white people had. Josephine was just one of MANY amazingly talented black entertainers in America, so she didn't stand out among the crowd. France, on the other hand, kept black people largely in its colonies in the Caribbean and Africa. There weren't many black people in France, and it wasn't a diverse country, so Josephine was considered "exotic" there. I don't think this is anything to applaud. It's just the nature of how Europe handled race. They kept Europe largely white, while they ran rampant in the colonies. Since they had few black people in Europe, race wasn't as much of an issue in Europe as it was in diverse countries (like America). European countries, like France, committed almost all of their sins and atrocities against black people in the distant lands that they colonized (i.e., Haiti, Côte d'Ivoire, DRC, Dominica, etc.)

[@MyNameIsChristBringsASword]

I guess as American's we expect more than speaking french. I'm sure she was a hit in her country but I wouldn't pay for that performance.

[@drzfinezt180]

The Creole Goddess at her Best! Long live Madame Baker!

[@kk321butwho]

I can’t believe this is a live performance, she sings too good😮❤

[@TheRealAliceSnow]

I love those braids that Miss Josephine Baker was sportin back in the day. which showed she was proud of her ethnicity......

[@gothictdk3792]

Alice Loren Snow You mean she was THEE FIRST woman of color to wear box braids as a hairstyle? 💆🏽

[@celesteadeanes4478]

Gothic TDK Course not that was ancient hairstyle back in the pharoahs day. witness the " Nerifiti of Now" lol

[@cenideperdomo1582]

Bueno

[@JamesBaldwin-o6e]

Alice Loren Snow JB hated being black and openly and verbally wished she were white.

[@JamesBaldwin-o6e]

Lucius Baston she never adopted an African American kid. Also, her son saw the adoptions as more political than personal. She adopted children and dumped them at Les Milandes to be raised by staff and family. Most of her children saw Jo Bouillon (JBs estranged husband) as more of a nurturing parent than Baker, who spent most of their formidable years traveling the globe trying to stay relevant and make money. Many of the children went to live with Boullion. Baker was so intimately and emotionally detached that she really had no controlboget the children once they reach their teens; JB loved the stage and glamorous traveling. Adopting children was a way to stay socially and politically relevant and receive money from various charitable possibilities. Adopting children was fashionable and "looked" good for her. Certainly she hated the racism of being black but she also made other choices which couldve alternately proved her racial solidarity. She, unlike Baldwin, did not return to the United States to lend her star power to the racial struggle (until it was too late, and particularly to make money); she instead chose to lend her voice to the Gaullist/France plight as opposed to black American cause. And what little attention she did pay to the black American plight came later on, and was really about making money for her expensive lifestyle and trying to maintain Les Milandes.

[@AuxaneST]

La meilleure! Notre radieuse Joséphine. Quelle voix!

[@smh2557]

What a beautiful headpiece. I had no idea she sang so beautifully. I thought she only danced.

[@arielsoracle3631]

She looks like a black She-Ra. The headpiece is so pretty!

[@ComicPower]

@@arielsoracle3631 She Ra. That's a great description

[@TheLadyDaniel]

She also acted in a few french films! She was a true icon ❤

[@DJ-gy7ze]

You become an international icon with just one trick up your sleeves

[@dylan-kerry]

Oh back then everyone could sing and dance. It was wonderful

[@phreshian]

So we're not going to talk about how she was rocking braids in 1955?? Legend.

[@Geneiveve]

Braids were worn 5000 years ago. Mummies rocked braids.

[@Geneiveve]

@JD Braids are not " black". Now don't you be stupid.

[@KC-ki9uj]

@JD the mummies were black people... I know yall really want them to be white despite the braids 🤧

[@tocandycane19]

what kind of hairstyles do you think people with afrotextured hair had before things like hot combs and perms became commonplace?

[@latteknowsbest6365]

I didnt even know people were wearing braids back then

[@vburd62]

just think...she's 49 years old here and she looks freaking fantastic. good on her for getting the hell out of racist america or no way does she have the world sucess she did.

[@wolfpak8228]

Vince Burden Always the racist America crap. Buddy you detract from everything, winer

[@vburd62]

What "distraction". .stop whinning it was a racist ass country, why do you think she and other blacks in those times got the hell out of it if they could...you saw for yourself how she got treated when she returned to america even AFTER she became a world star..those racist bigots still refused to serve her.

[@vburd62]

you have no idea what you're babbling about...I suppose baker was a whiner too with her racist crap as well?

[@vburd62]

Can't argue with your point jerry. ..

[@vburd62]

Can't argue with your point jerry. ..

[@toni4916]

That headpiece is to die for. And she looks 20 years younger than her age.

[@BarraCulturalSociety]

does anyone know where it comes from?

[@bowserbowser3550]

@@BarraCulturalSociety look up javanese royalty headdress, it seems to be a direct inspiration to josephine baker’s headpiece

[@jfk1871]

j'ai le film qui retrace sa vie en vhs dvd il est merveilleux très bien j'en dit pas plus il faut le voire ,j'adore Madame Joséphine Baker pour son grand cœur elle a ouvert son cœur aux enfants malheureux une grande dame avec un grand D , une voix envoutante merci Madame Joséphine

[@mimisatou1]

We love you Auntie Josephine!!! ✨❤️ Muah !!!! Merci Merci Merci! #womensherstorymonth

[@marcdelente2456]

Je l ai toujours trouvé belle quand elle passait ma grand mère maternel me disait ya Joséphine moi le gamin de 5 ans en 1965 . j'ai bientôt 63 et l admire toujours elle est solaire et elle m appaise quand je l écoute. Joséphine Baker la divine éternel et intemporels pour des siecles.

[@samuelgriffin4167]

Back in the day African American women were gorgeous today they're still gorgeous

[@stacym735]

When this magnificent, celebrated performer wowed in this routine in Paris, she would have been denied a seat at a diner in her "home country." Europe's shining star; America's shame.

[@anyaw340]

Sorry, but America was only doing in America what Europe was doing in their colonies. At the time that Josephine was famous in France, France was still actively collecting reparations from Haitians for freeing themselves from French enslavement! Haiti has only recently paid that off! It is widely believed that this is precisely the reason Haiti is so poor today.The difference between America and Europe is that Europe had few racial minorities to have racial strife in their own countries. Europe kept most non-whites in the colonies, where they oppressed them, until the last half of the 20th century.

[@Celluloidwatcher]

Amazingly beautiful, talented, and energetic. At 49, or 50, Josephine Baker still thrilled Paris audiences after 30 years. She would continue to entertain for another 20 years, until her death in 1975. She deserves to be celebrated.

[@lauriel.4667]

She’s 49 in this clip

[@caninekathy7740]

There are no words for this woman of Grace beauty and wonder she was a legend in her own time the beautiful Miss Josephine Baker

[@MizzBrii]

She is absolutely regal!!! And that headrests is to die for!!!!

[@justined3251]

Je suis ému pars sa voie un jour j’étais a la bibliothèque et j’ai trouver un livre [joséphine baker] aujourd'hui je suis amoureuse de cette femme ❤❤❤❤

[@leverdia]

My goodness! She was a powerhouse. She had stunning, exotic beauty, a radiant smile, she became bi-lingual, a daring fashion sense, an angelic voice, and she was a fine dancer and actress. She looks great in this video at almost 50 years old. I love they way her eyes look in this performance. What couldn't she do? America was a fool for not accepting her...one of their very own. Good job, France, for recognizing this talent and for giving her a chance to share her amazing gifts with the world. She tried so hard to give back and pay it forward. I truly hope she's resting in peace. Je vous aime, Josephine Baker.

[@bdockett]

I never knew.... It's no wonder France loved her.

[@timoherrmann2818]

She's a very charming and beautiful woman with a great voice! :)

[@MrFalconford]

and a giving heart

[@estellealiahmed195]

Quelle femme magnifique et admirable. Surtout ravie qu'elle soit au Panthéon avec le service rendu pour la France pendant la 2nde guerre. Artiste mais surtout soldat de la résistance 💪

[@constancegibson7282]

That headdress! Genius

[@a.m.armstrong8354]

It is!

[@carlalamar6193]

Absolutely.....LOVELY

[@cittaromap4163]

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 . 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. I have a video. Just type “josephine and me Bobino” Cittaroma ❤️❤️❤️

[@CuirPhotodotNet]

....thank you for your comment...bless you....

[@cittaromap4163]

@john40219786

[@mindconcept]

Merci ❤️❤️❤️

[@cittaromap4163]

😘❤🥰

[@mindconcept]

I am glad you answered! Vous devez avoir des souvenirs très intéressants du Paris de ces années là. Il faut écrire un livre ou tout du moins un journal 😊.

[@Jim54_]

Not only was she a brilliant actress and dancer, but she was also was a highly decorated member of the French Resistance and a Civil Rights figure

[@mayoncheese1116]

her French is beautiful ... she was born in America so French isn’t her 1st language

[@bobbbxxx]

True, but she lived most of her life in Paris so it is not too surprising. She moved there when she was 19, and worked hard on her French. She also worked on her English accent to acquire a much more sophisticated transatlantic one than when she lived in St Louis.

[@mozgren]

As a Brit with far from perfect French I understood every word. She was better known for the banana dance 30 years earlier but she has a wonderful voice.

[@clayauslewis4236]

@@mozgren Et moi! Well the first few sentences!

[@clayauslewis4236]

And it showed. I saw a video of her being interviewed in the early 50's by an American reporter. Her English was perfect. And she was absolutely delightful!

[@АлександраОстровская-т1и]

@@mozgren I also knew her mostly for her banana dance and was amazed how beautiful her voice was !

[@StrongstallionWest]

Her voice is so strong.

[@juanmanuelparadacontreras9565]

Toda una diva esta bella mujer en todos los sentidos. Por tratarse no sólo una diosa de ébano de las marquesinas de Paris sino también una heroína en responder por sus país adoptivo que tanto le daría a ella.

[@gothictdk3792]

This is the first time I ever seen the real Josephine Baker. Wow...

[@ComicPower]

Josephine was basically the Beyonce of her era. What an icon.

[@Jevousdemandedevousarrêter111]

Elle dansait bien, elle chantait bien. Elle a participé à la résistance française, rencontré De Gaulle, manifesté avec Martin Luther King. Cette femme est une légende !

[@Hanomarkhan...]

3:39 mon passage préfèré... I was lucky enough to come across her, by hazard, in a street in Paris, a few months before she disappeared. Accompanied by my mother (Thanks to her, I know I didn't imagine it), I had the honour of Josephine Baker leaning over me and pinching my cheek with her big smile... I was five years old ;)

[@tellienatan5991]

Lucky!!

[@Jevousdemandedevousarrêter111]

Quelle chance. J'étais aussi sa contemporaine mais je ne l'ai jamais rencontrée.

[@jimott9712]

Thank heaven for KZbin. I've heard of Josephine Baker for years and seen still pictures, but never seen/heard her sing. Yes. She was incredible. Fabulous.

[@beverly5886]

So beautiful and classy! She puts today's performers to shame!

[@rizglov4430]

she was so beautiful and had an amazing voice

[@derayebaker3980]

that's a dope head crown looking like Sade great-aunt

[@AlexAAAAAAA7]

Wow, she is not only dancing but beautifully singing. She is really great. Love her cross blind dancing.

[@lorenathorpe8909]

Amazing how perfectly she spoke and sang in French.

[@eloyguevara9447]

voz....sentimientos...............movimientos.........dedicacion....................arte...................y un corazon enorme......................belleza sin duda...............unica.....................y aqui tenia 50 años................................con esa hracia y profersionalidad incomparable....................repito ..su voz y su habla...........alucinantes...................la estrella de las estrellas..................

[@nellievaughn7755]

That woman was pure divinity.

[@Jay-Kay-Buwembo]

Wow she was fabulous, utterly charming and incredibly talented...

[@pascalbretaire4163]

bad , vive maurice chevalier!!

[@marcdelente2456]

Joséphine qu elle femme elle divine et quelle talent en plus de tout ces combats elle aujourd hui et ça longtemps qu elle aurai du y être. Josephine sublime étoile au firmamenent des étoiles elle est éternel et intemporel.

[@LUANHysa-uk6qn]

Super super 👌

[@aavalestormiconicperformer]

She was a great person and helped many.

[@mmurph617]

She's the original diva for real.

[@nattyveggies]

its 4 :50 am i haven't been asleep since yesterday, idk how i got here but im glad i decided to search her videos.. so damn beautiful

[@RichardNixoned]

Shakti Adams coincidence? Tell me why it's 4:50am as soon as I come across this comment lol.

[@nattyveggies]

lol thats awsome!!!

[@kiarraburd]

it's 4:49 and I just read this comment 8 months later haha

[@TheAlphaOmega78]

Shakti Adams exactly!! This is my story right now. Perfect way to spend time!!

[@marilorencin1]

Quelle belle personne et quel talent !

[@serafinahart4012]

shes so pretty

[@michaelneel4828]

Someone tell me she did not have more than any star in our US of A . Miss Baker was stunning ! My uncle who just passed at 98 saw her in Paris after he was shot 4 times in the battle of the Bulge . He was a Southern Gentman & white . He said I understand why they never excepted her in the 30s ! She had to much talent for the states to know what to do with ! She was a true STAR !!!

[@niklay33]

Michael Neel Shes fascinating

[@michaelneel4828]

Amen ! We love her in the states .

[@lozanogomez]

First time I hear her singing. I've only have seen her dancing before, but I'm surprised as how good her voice was as well

[@xavierdh2000]

Boy Josephine lookes good!! just class all the way!

[@Im_so_Retro85]

She was mesmerizing ❤

[@LaLynnaBeach]

Her voice is beautiful

[@denislaborderie7607]

she would strutt down the old midieval market place of sarlat and buy cat fisf live from my great uncle and grand father...bak in the 60s

[@mikesmith3873]

Very cool

[@roycey32]

Are you French?

[@denislaborderie7607]

@@roycey32 yes

[@roycey32]

@@denislaborderie7607 Thank you for your reply. I am not... However I sing French. I'm always curious to know how those who are native perceive our execution of the language. How is hers to you? (Both spoken & sang. ) Does she have an accent? Or no? Does it seem to be associated with a certain geographic in France? Just curious. Again. Thx for replying. : )

[@malcolmxy3971]

@@roycey32 As a Frenchman, when I listen to her spoken French, you can feel a slight American accent, although quite pleasant. When she sings, she sounds more like French singers of that time, her accent gets lighter or almost unnoticeable

[@eloyguevara9447]

la mejor.................por siempre..........................

[@lululemongirl00987]

Ancient Egyptian goddess 🙂‍↕️

[@autumnsah3282]

She is so gorgeous and glamorous!! The talent is crazy

[@nubiandoll7]

She’s gorgeous.

[@RosesGustavsson]

merci Madame Josephine Baker ..............BRAVO!!!!

[@mendidavid6841]

Merveilleuse Joséphine !

[@TheLolbot3000]

oh my god i just found this and im obsessed. she's amazing!

[@gsemmanuel]

Such a gorgeous smile. What a beautiful energy this girl spreads.

[@BarbaraZook-fv2bo]

Mesmerizing ❤

[@theloveroftg1435]

love you Josephine Baker forever beautiful in soul and body God bless her loving soul 😘😘😘😢😢😢Ms Baker is on my playlists

[@LG-uu7pv]

Mais qu'est ce qu'elle était belle, et surtout talentueuse !!

Formidable elle est formidable : une merveilleuse voix de velours, forte, réjouissante et enivrante et pas besoin d'effets spéciaux, elle est l'effet spécial à elle toute seule, un amour infini.

[@wongfrancis]

Listening to her is like the more glamorous version of Edith Piaf! (Love Piaf, she dresses more modestly on stage). Josephine looks like Matahari, Balinese princess....such a gorgeous tiara. The singing is so powerful and lovely, and she is a great dancers too, which also reminds me of Eartha Kitt (another legend).

[@irenes8689]

What a beautiful voice. Love that out fit.

[@giovannigava5431]

Adorable et pleine d'Amour pour toutes et tous.

[@stonedmermaid6092]

SHE IS LITERALLY PERFECTION SHE IS SPUNK SHE IS FIERCE THIS IS ENTERTAINING AT ITS FRESHEST AND FINEST AND LENA HORNE TAKES AFTER HER

[@freedomring8096]

What a beautiful woman and entertainer.

Merveilleuse Joséphine Baker!

[@oyinxfab]

FAB 🖤

[@jessicapope9901]

One can really tell she loves what she is doing

[@gfrangi5422]

Incredible

[@deborahr.5686]

A very revolutionary woman🥰🥰

[@vil4038]

What a pretty and genuine smile she had

[@AmyKnits]

She was so beautiful! Such a free, loving spirit.

[@tanisharaines3035]

Yeah right

[@whydoucare_to1015]

@@tanisharaines3035 Yeah.. she was right Josephine baker was amazing

[@carolynelevin88]

When I look at Josephine, I am immediately invigorated with the most uplifting sensation- such a brilliant soul.

[@Autumn-zd9nq]

So beautiful. So dope!

[@wsalinas1]

CHARMANTE FEMME...! J'adore sa voix.., son style...!

[@alexandreintouch1847]

la Grande Joséphine Baker.....faisant pour toujours partie de l'Histoire de la France ....et elle fut tant aimée en France !

[@badarock177]

This was truly beautiful. She was a goddess. Amazing performance.

[@PheeBaby.x]

I always come back to this 🖤

[@PheeBaby.x]

And I’m back again!

[@AhJodie]

She is just lovely!!!!!!

[@davidmoondirelax]

Merci ❤

[@cree8vision]

This is priceless

[@corazon_thecactus4460]

La France t’embrasse Madame Baker ❤️

[@kindell1]

I wish I could find that head piece in a store today. Dang it!

[@vburd62]

amazing how well she learned french...

[@RAJOHN-ke7mc]

Vince Burden why is it amazing. Just about Anyone can learn a language fluently.

[@andresuston7692]

@@RAJOHN-ke7mc If everyone could learn a second language with ease we would all be bilingual. And certainly not fluently.

[@annonnie]

She lived in France, so it's not amazing. But she also spoke Russian and Italian, which is commendable and impressive.

[@AndreaJ3]

Andre Suston exactly, learning different languages is hard, especially since some have different meanings with words. It really is a talent.

[@mibukdesjarlais534]

@@annonnie Actually it is amazing. Especially when she started to learn French at the age of 19. It's incredibly difficult to learn a whole new foreign language, especially in a short amount of time. We definitely applaud her for that. 👏💖

[@sorayaaloune3842]

J'ai des frissons.....une grande étoile cette Joséphine.....

[@hugues-v8i]

Irrésistible Joséphine. Quelle magnifique artiste. Pour son talent et son courage, elle restera éternellement dans la mémoire de tous les Français. Merci Madame Baker.

[@tiffanywhite6852]

My favorite performance

[@tphvictims5101]

She was beautiful in mind and body. it was a shame what happened to this wonderful woman.♥

[@tchleet]

why you whites always are pretencious when it comes to Black Women. She did not have a sad life. You whites in n racist amerikka and nazi occupied areas of the world gave her a hard time and robbed her of her finances.

[@celesteadeanes4478]

it is reported she died of happiness

[@gothictdk3792]

Celestea Deanes That's highly unusual in THIS day & time.

[@celesteadeanes4478]

tchleet Exactly

[@celesteadeanes4478]

Gothic TDK Speaking for your self, cherie. . .?Blackfolk have a reputation for natural joy. We are not victims

[@jfccover574]

Eu não conhecia essa cantora extraordinária fiquei sabendo depois de assistir um documentário sobre a segunda guerra mundial. Ela era fanática

[@jean-francoisgrun7524]

Merci pour ce partage!

[@onefreebird1]

She was exceptionally beautiful.