in remembrance: Eartha Kitt

I had heard of Eartha Kitt before yesterday but never learned much about her. Now that I have learned of her death I've done a bit more research and think she's amazing. Here is a quick tid bit:

Eartha Kitt "was an American actress, singer, and cabaret star. She was perhaps best known for her 1953 Christmas song "Santa Baby". Orson Welles once called her the "most exciting woman in the world". She took over the role of Catwoman for the 3rd season of the 1960s Batman TV series. Kitt encountered a substantial professional setback after she made anti-war statements during a White House luncheon. It was reported that she made First Lady Lady Bird Johnson cry. The public reaction to Kitt's statements was much more extreme, both for and against her statements. Professionally exiled from the U.S., she devoted her energies to overseas performances."

She has a meager background born on a cotton plantation never knowing her white father and abandoned by her mother, and yet grew into a glamourous star with international sensibilities. Her story is fascinating. Apparently she had a great cat purr from her performance as Cat Woman that I've been hearing repeatedly on the radio. Here is a fantastic performance from 1962. 

I hope you all enjoyed your holiday. I had a great Christmas but am so happy to be back home.