Weston, Connecticut (January 17, 1927 -December 25, 2008) age 81 yrs

Eartha Mae Kitt was an American singer, actress, dancer, comedian, activist, author, and songwriter. She was known for her highly distinctive singing style. Her 1953 recordings of “C’est si bon” reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The Christmas novelty song “Santa Baby” also reached the top 10. In 1968 she spoke out against the Vietnam war at a White House Luncheon. She dared to speak her mind at the heart of the empire. She denounced an imperial war. As a result, the media and the state tried to disappear her. She had to go abroad to find her freedom of speech, living and working over seas for nearly a decade.