Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt was born January 17, 1927 (99 years before my granddaughter Macy) in North, South Carolina.  Her mother was of Cherokee and African descent.  

After the death of her mother, Eartha moved to New York City to be raised by a relative.  There she attended the Metropolitan Vocational High School, later named the High School of Performing Arts.

Eartha began her career as a singer in 1943.  She recorded such hit songs as "Let's Do it", "Champagne Taste" and "C'est Si Bon."

Eartha's unique style became enhanced as she became fluent in French while touring in Europe.  She spoke four languages and sang in eleven.

In 1954-1955 Eartha starred in an all-Black Broadway production of Mrs. Patterson.  

She portrayed Teddy Hicks, a teenager living in the south during the 1920s.

One day while we were visiting New York City, my mother took me to a matinee performance of Mrs. Patterson.  I remember we were among the few white people in the audience.

I also remember just before intermission someone asked Teddy what do you want to be when you grow up.  Her response got a big laugh as the curtain came down.

Teddy: When I grow up, I want to be a rich white lady.

As a naive youth, I didn't get the joke.

Thanks to the BBC and the Internet, I recently got to see the scene again.