Josephine Baker (3 June 1906 – 12 April 1975) was an
American-born
French dancer, singer, and actress who came to be known in various circles as the "Black Pearl," "Bronze Venus" and even the "Creole Goddess". Born
Freda Josephine McDonald in
St. Louis,
Missouri, Josephine Baker became a citizen of
France in 1937. She was fluent in both English and French.