Before Gaga and Madonna and even Grace Jones, there was another woman who stole the stage with innovative style and unparalleled levels of charisma.

That woman also went on to be the first African-American woman in a major motion picture, as well as the first to integrate an American concert hall. O, and let’s not fail to mention her work with the American Civil Rights Movement; and the fact that she was the first American-born woman to receive the French military honor the Croix de guerre.

Who is this femme de la renaissance?  The one, the only Josephine Baker.

I remember watching The Josephine Baker Story with Lynn Whitfield as a little girl and being totally enthralled with the glamour and boldness of Ms. Baker’s life. And now as a more grown-up girl, I am still in love with the glitz of her story, but it is her trailblazing that really inspires me.

This granddaughter of former slaves who was once a homeless child in the streets of St. Louis took the world by storm with not only her incredible style and drop-dead good looks, but more importantly with a bravery most would only dream of.

Ms. Baker, thank you for making it so chic to be so fearless.

*images via silentladies.com*