The woman the world would know was Josephine Baker was born into abject poverty in

1906 in St Louis, Missouri. Despite her humble background and numerous obstacles in

her way, she became one of the most significant entertainers of the first half of the 20th century.

However, the way she found success was unlike any of her contemporaries.

And she later used her fame and celebrity as a highly effective spy during the Second World War.

Learn more about the incredible life of Josephine Baker on this episode of Everything Everywhere

Daily. The The woman the world would know as Josephine Baker was born Freita Josephine McDonald on June 3rd,

1906 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Her mother, Carrie McDonald, was raised in Little Rock, Arkansas by adoptive parents of African

and Native American descent who had been born into slavery.

Her mother had dreams of becoming a musical dancer, but she made her living

doing laundry.

Josephine grew up without knowing her father. Many people believe that her father was

a vaudeville drummer by the name of Eddie Carson.

However, there are many conflicting and contradictory stories from this period in her life,

and the identity of her father isn't known for a fact.

She grew up in a predominantly black section of town known as Chestnut Valley,

an area that was subsequently demolished under the guise of urban renewal.

The buildings in her neighborhood didn't have indoor plumbing at the time,

and the neighborhood was known for its many

brothels and bars. She did not have what most people would consider an ideal

childhood. Despite being quite intelligent, she received little formal schooling.

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