1927: Blue Skies

Gotta love Josephine Baker. She could sing and act and dance like gangbusters. Her career, which began in the ‘teens, didn’t take off until she got to France — but then, did it ever. According to her official bio, she was the top-grossing entertainer in Europe by 1927. Which is when — in January — she recorded this version of “Blue Skies.” (MP3)

Later, during WWII, Baker helped the French underground; she was awarded the Legion of Honor for her efforts. She was a strong proponent of civil rights back home in the US, refusing to perform at segregated clubs and speaking out against racism — which at one point included taking on powerful columnist Walter Winchell. She was married (about) five times and adopted a dozen children from as many nations, calling them her “rainbow tribe” and paving the way for adoption-inclined celebrity moms of the future. That Josephine Baker — always ahead of her time.