Remembering Eartha Kitt

There is no lack of people today discussing the death of Eartha Kitt. After 60 years of work in movies, television and as a singer she is remembered for so many things. She dared to question a President in the White House - and was exiled from the nation for a time. She grew up poor and unwanted yet became a star. And of course she was a Catwoman, in a time when few Blacks were ever seen in any roles in television (and with the best purr too).

But for a performer perhaps the best way to remember their passing is to take a look at how their work has endured over time. The greatest compliment has often been said to be imitation. For entertainers that can be most readily seen in covers of songs or re-enactments of their work. So in the spirit of the season, and to see the tribute of how enduring a performer she was, I present Eartha Kitt (and many others) singing Santa Baby which she first sang in 1953.



Kylie Minogue


Taylor Swift


Cynthia Basinet


Pussycat Dolls


Macy Gray


Laureta Meci


Everclear


Les Paul and Trio


And in a very odd take on the theme Willa Ford in a 'revisioning' of the song


and countless versions across the internet




Suffice to say Eartha Kitt inspired tens of thousands if not millions over the years. She was outspoken, trend setting, vibrant, unique, sexy, intelligent, and talented. And it is that combination of things that has endured for decades, just as her music has done.

Eartha Kitt, 81, was a class act. She will be missed.