In the book "The Hungry Heart" written about Josephine Baker by one of her adopted kids, suggested that Josephine may have moonlighted as a Courtesan in her early years in Paris from 1925-1930. Being that her sex appeal was so huge in Europe, men from around the globe would come to Paris to see her perform then afterwards would wisk her away to a private location for a night cap. Allegedly the Crown Prince of Sweden, to the President of France was some of her admirers and "clients".
Josephine was noted as having an insatiable appetite for sex and would have sex with anyone who wanted her, which was practically every man in Europe. By the time she died in 1975 she was said to have had over 3,300 sex partners in her lifetime.
The first time I read these claims I was appalled. How could someone call my Goddess a prostitute or even suggest that she was promiscuous? Who would say such a thing? Then I begin to realize that not only was Josephine Baker a wonderful performer, she was also SMART!
The one thing I will give her credit for is that she had power and prestige, and was smart enough to make a fortune with it. Everyone from Bankers, Lawyers, Artist, and intellectuals followed Josephine around Europe like lovesick puppies. Hell, she even rented a castle in 1933 that she later purchased in the late 40's.
Even Ernest Hemingway called her "The most sensational woman anyone has ever saw or ever will", and Pablo Picasso could be seen riding around with her and her pet leopard Chiquita in her white 1925 Custom Rolls Royce that was purchased for her by one of her adoring "fans".
How awesome is that?
