Joséphine Baker singing “La Petite Tonkinoise“, 1953

From La Baker’s 1953 recording sessions with Jo Bouillon’s orchestra. This is her second recordings of this number. Baker’s 1953 recording sessions show the almost unbelievable evolution of her voice from the twittery & thin vocals of “J’ai deux amours“ or “Haiti“. Her voice had remained in this state until the late 1940’s, & almost suddenly, perhaps with the aid of vocal coaching from Jo Bouillon, her voice began to deepen & her diction & pitch become more precise. What is more amazing is that Baker recorded her famous 1959 album “The Fabulous Joséphine Baker“ only 6 years after these 1953 recordings. --“La Petite Tonkinoise (Ma Tonkinoise)“. Originally written by Christiné & Scotto.