Freda Josephine McDonald aka Josephine Baker danced into this world in 1906 in St. Louis. As young as age 10 she worked as a nanny and housegirl and by 14 was on the TOBA circuit as a comic. Before her more sophisticated recordings with the Jazz du Casino de Paris Orchestra in the 30s, she cut this more playful and raw recording of Then I'll Be Happy with Le Jacobs Jazz of Liege, Belgium in the 20s. Josephine had an indomitable spirit and a desire to please her audience whether for a laugh or for the joy of music. Her European audiences were most appreciative and loyal. She became the most successful and highest paid entertainer in Europe in 1927. The tall, skinny, "too dark" kid also became one of the most photographed women in the world.

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