History Extra Podcast: "Josephine Baker: Life of the Week" Release Date: May 12, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of the History Extra Podcast, hosted by Ellie Cawthorn and featuring historian Hannah Diamond, listeners are taken on an in-depth exploration of the extraordinary life of Josephine Baker. Moving beyond her fame as an entertainer, the discussion delves into Baker's significant contributions during World War II, her civil rights activism, and her lasting legacy.

Early Life and Rise to Stardom (02:28 - 09:00)

Hannah Diamond begins by outlining Josephine Baker's humble beginnings in St. Louis, born as Frieda Josephine MacDonald in impoverished circumstances. Despite a challenging childhood marked by racial segregation and economic hardship, Baker's innate talent and charisma propelled her into the world of show business.

Hannah Diamond (04:20): "She was born in really very impoverished circumstances... Yet, she managed to get out of that environment and become a dance star."

Baker's breakthrough came with her move to Paris in 1925, where the vibrant jazz scene provided a more welcoming environment for African American artists. Her performance in the "Revue Nègre" catapulted her to international fame, earning her the title of one of the first true celebrities.

Hannah Diamond (09:11): "Almost overnight, she became really literally the talk of the town. And from that point, she really went strength to strength."

Life in France and Artistic Evolution (09:00 - 14:18)

In France, Baker's career flourished as she expanded her repertoire from dance to singing and acting. Her signature act, the "Dance Sauvage," became iconic, symbolizing her innovative and daring performance style. Beyond entertainment, Baker utilized her fame to educate herself, learning to read and write in French, and embracing French culture wholeheartedly.

Hannah Diamond (12:23): "She learned to sing, she appeared in films, ... she was the first African American to become a film star and be paid these extraordinary amounts of money to perform."

Her marriage to Jean Leon and subsequent acquisition of French nationality further solidified her identity and commitment to her adopted country.

World War II and Espionage (14:18 - 28:17)

As World War II erupted, Josephine Baker's allegiance to France deepened. Unlike many African Americans who left Europe upon the war's outbreak, Baker chose to remain, driven by a sense of duty and understanding of the Nazi threat. Her connection to the French resistance became pivotal as she leveraged her celebrity to aid the Allies.

Hannah Diamond (14:31): "She saw herself as a patriot and believed that her French nationality would protect her."

Baker was recruited by French intelligence to act as a spy, using her interactions with diplomats and embassies to gather crucial information. Her flamboyant persona allowed her to move freely and discreetly collect intelligence, contributing significantly to the resistance efforts.

Ellie Cawthorn (20:15): "She wasn't exactly inconspicuous... But her ability to access all areas and catch people off guard really helped her get information."

Her espionage activities extended to North Africa, where she continued to collect intelligence and support the Allied invasion efforts, all while maintaining her public image as a beloved entertainer.

Post-War Activism and the Rainbow Tribe (28:25 - 36:36)

After the war, Baker's focus shifted to civil rights activism. Disillusioned by the persistent segregation and racism in America, she became a vocal advocate for the African American community. Her concept of the "Rainbow Tribe"—a family of twelve adopted children from around the world—symbolized her vision of a harmonious, multicultural world.

Hannah Diamond (31:26): "She brought the media into the chateau and people saw her with these various children that she'd brought in from around the world."

Baker's activism was not confined to France; she actively participated in the American civil rights movement, notably speaking at the March on Washington in 1963 alongside Martin Luther King Jr.

Ellie Cawthorn (36:23): "She was one of two women who spoke there and proudly stood in her Free French uniform."

Later Years and Legacy (36:36 - 44:26)

In her later years, Josephine Baker continued to perform and maintain her cultural and humanitarian projects. Her final performance in Paris in 1975 was a poignant culmination of her life's work, blending her artistic flair with her enduring message of unity and human rights. Tragically, Baker suffered a stroke shortly after this triumphant return, passing away surrounded by the accolades and love she had earned throughout her life.

Hannah Diamond (44:15): "She was very multifaceted and had many layers to her that we would not have known if we did not dig quite deep to find out about her."

Diamond emphasizes that Josephine Baker should be remembered not just as a diva or a star, but as a pioneering figure who harnessed her fame to effect meaningful change in society.

Hannah Diamond (42:34): "The lesson I take from her is that people are not always what they seem. She was very multifaceted and had many layers to her that we would not have known if we did not dig quite deep to find out about her."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a reflection on Josephine Baker's enduring impact as both an entertainer and a resilient activist. Her life exemplifies the power of using one's platform for advocacy and the importance of multifaceted contributions to history.

Hannah Diamond (42:34): "She took advantage of her circumstances, she took the opportunities that were presented her. She became this huge star. Then she mobilized her stardom, her celebrity, to do something for the causes she believed in."

Listeners are encouraged to explore more about Josephine Baker through Hannah Diamond's book, Josephine Baker's Secret War, and additional resources available on the History Extra website.

Notable Quotes:

• Hannah Diamond (02:28): "She was indeed extraordinary and it's been a real honour..."
• Hannah Diamond (09:11): "Almost overnight, she became really literally the talk of the town..."
• Hannah Diamond (14:31): "She saw herself as a patriot and believed that her French nationality would protect her."
• Hannah Diamond (42:34): "People are not always what they seem. She was very multifaceted and had many layers to her."

Further Resources

For those interested in delving deeper into Josephine Baker's life and legacy, Hannah Diamond's Josephine Baker's Secret War and related articles on HistoryExtra.com are highly recommended.