Mica Paris on Josephine Baker
Singer Mica Paris chooses singer, dancer and civil rights activist, Josephine Baker. With Matthew Parris. From 2018.
For soul singer Mica Paris, when she first dreamt of becoming a singer it was Josephine Baker who inspired her most.
Baker was a young black American dancer who became an overnight sensation in Paris in 1925 after performing wild, uninhibited routines in the skimpiest of costumes.
So can Mica Paris make the case for Baker who wore a string of bananas and little else while performing the 'banana dance?
Joining presenter Matthew Parris to help tell the story of Josephine Baker is author Andrea Stuart.
Producer: Perminder Khatkar
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 May 2018.
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Mica Paris at Broadcasting House after the recording of Great Lives.
Matthew Parris with Mica Paris and Andrea Stuart after the recording.
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Presenter | Matthew Parris |
| Interviewed Guest | Mica Paris |
| Producer | Perminder Khatkar |
Broadcasts
- Tue 15 May 2018 16:30BBC Radio 4
- Fri 18 May 2018 23:00BBC Radio 4
- Thu 14 Apr 2022 18:30BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Fri 15 Apr 2022 00:30BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Sat 16 Apr 2022 07:30BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Sat 16 Apr 2022 17:30BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Sun 17 Apr 2022 05:30BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Thu 24 Apr 2025 10:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Thu 24 Apr 2025 16:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Fri 25 Apr 2025 00:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
Podcast
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Great Lives
Biographical series in which guests choose someone who has inspired their lives.

