Eartha Kitt

Kitt's mother was Black Indian with Cherokee ancestry, and her father was European-American. She was born (out of wedlock, as would have to be the case given the laws regarding miscegenation at the time) in tiny North, South Carolina, but jokes about the fact that many audiences assume her to be from somewhere more exotic. Her hits include "Let's Do It," "C'est Si Bon," "Just an Old Fashioned Girl," "Monotonous," "Love for Sale," "I'd Rather Be Burned as a Witch," "Uska Dara," "Mink, Schmink," "Under the Bridges of Paris," and her most recognizable hit, "Santa Baby." Kitt's unique style was enhanced as she became fluent in French during her years performing in Europe. She dabbled in other languages as well, which she demonstrates with finesse in many of the live recordings of her cabaret performances.