Lost Fortunes: The Wealthy Black Women Who Built Empires Before the Civil Rights Act—And Where Their Wealth Went (Part 11/28, Josephine Baker)

"Surely the day will come when color means nothing more than the skin tone, when religion is seen uniquely as a way to speak one's soul; when birth places have the weight of a throw of the dice and all men are born free, when understanding breeds love and brotherhood," and "The secret to the fountain of youth is to think youthful thoughts." – Josephine Baker 

Josephine Baker

Josephine Baker (1906-1975) was more than just an entertainer—she was a trailblazer, activist, and entrepreneur who built immense wealth during her lifetime. Baker rose to international fame as a singer, dancer, and actress. She became one of the highest-paid performers in Europe, particularly in France, where she found fame and acceptance beyond the racial barriers she faced in the United States.

Born in 1906 into poverty in St. Louis, Missouri, at age eight Josephine Baker worked to help support her family by cleaning houses and babysitting for wealthy white families, often being poorly treated. Unable to attend school, she dropped out and briefly returned two years later before running away from home at age 13 and finding work as a waitress at a club. She soon took up dancing and supported herself through club and street performances.

By 1919 she was touring the United States with the Jones Family Band and the Dixie Steppers performing comedic skits. In 1923, Baker landed a role in the musical Shuffle Along as a member of the chorus, and added her personal touch of comedy sketches which again made her a popular standout with audiences. Taking advantage of her early success, Baker moved to New York City where she found work performing in musicals and landed a role performing with Ethel Waters at the Plantation Club, where again she again became a crowd favorite.

How did Baker Acquire her Wealth

In the 1920s, Jazz was in high demand in France. Baker saw an opportunity and took her skills there in 1925 at the age of 19. She quickly became a sensation and other black artists, creatives, and entertainers would soon follow to escape the economic limitations and racial threats the U.S. placed on black citizens. Her performances at the renown opera house Folies Bergère and other Parisian venues captivated audiences, making her one of the most famous entertainers in the world. She became known for her exotic and unique performances, including her famous “banana skirt” dance in La Revue Nègre.

Her fame led to lucrative contracts in film, music, and live performances around the globe. She became one of the highest-paid performers of her time, amassing significant wealth from her entertainment career. She also capitalized on her image by selling merchandise and recording music that was widely distributed.

By the end of the 1920s, Baker was making more money than any other entertainer in Europe. Her personal wealth was estimated at over a million dollars. She used her earnings to invest in real estate, purchasing a 75-acre grand château in France known as Les Milandes in 1947, after renting it for several years. The estate became her primary residence and later a sanctuary for her 13 children of which 12 she legally adopted. She also attempted business ventures, including owning a nightclub in Paris. Many of her financial investments were not well-managed.

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Baker's performances at notable venues in Paris garnered her significant income, contributing to her status as an international superstar. Her popularity and unique talent allowed her to command substantial fees for her performances.

What Happened to Josephine Baker’s Wealth

Despite her immense earnings, Baker was known for her lavish spending and extravagant lifestyle. She enjoyed luxury fashion, expensive travel, and maintaining a high standard of living. Additionally, she was incredibly generous, often giving money to friends, struggling artists, and humanitarian causes she believed in.

By the 1950s and 1960s, Baker's financial stability had declined. In 1951, during a celebrated return to the United States, Baker performed on Broadway. A LIFE magazine article from that period noted her wearing a $21,000 gown designed by Jacques Griffe, a French couturier and fashion designer, during her performance. Although her performance fee is unknown, the costly dress underscores the level of investment and financial backing for her shows. In contrast, it is reported that renowned jazz performer Hazel Scott was earning $75,000 a year (approximately $1.3 Million today) by 1945.

With the care of her large family which she referred to as her “Rainbow Tribe” and her estate, the upkeep of Les Milandes became unsustainable, and she fell into debt. In 1968, she was unable to pay the mortgage, and the estate was seized and auctioned off at a fraction of its worth. Following this loss, Princess Grace of Monaco offered Baker an apartment in Roquebrune, near Monaco, providing her with a place to live during her final years.

Despite her financial troubles, she continued to perform to support herself and her large family. Her final comeback performance, "Joséphine à Bobino 1975," celebrated her 50 years in show business. With international and U.S. celebrities in attendance, the performance received rave reviews. Tragically, she passed away just days after the show's opening. Baker, once one of the richest Black women in the world, was left nearly penniless. Josephine Baker live performance https://youtu.be/d9Q9VrM-iY4

Legacy and Impact

Although Josephine Baker did not leave behind a vast financial estate, her cultural and social contributions endure. She was posthumously honored by the French government for her service during World War II and was the first Black woman inducted into the Panthéon, France’s highest honor.

Today, her legacy is carried on through biographies, films, and performances inspired by her life. While her wealth did not survive due to her generous and extravagant nature, her influence as a performer, civil rights activist, and humanitarian remains invaluable. In honor of her contributions to civil rights, the NAACP eventually named May 20th “Josephine Baker Day.”

Chez Josephine in NYC was founded by her son and is named in her honor. Visit https://chezjosephinenyc.com/. The castle remains open as a museum celebrating its celebrated owner https://www.milandes.com/en/josephine-baker/

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