One of the artists who has had a profound influence on me is Eartha Kitt, the enchanting singer best known for her Christmas classic Santa Baby and for her portrayal of Catwoman in the purrfectly campy TV show: Batman.

Onstage, Eartha was as Orson Wells called her, “The Most Exciting Woman in the World.” Eartha sang in multiple languages and flirted mercilessly with her audience. But as outrageous as Eartha was on stage, the one thing she really wanted in life, after suffering an abusive upbringing in the South, was to be a mother.

That wish came true with the birth of her only daughter Kitt who grew up to be Eartha’s greatest life companion. Kitt toured the world with her mom and eventually went on to manage Eartha’s career and was with her when she died on Christmas Day in 2008.

Kitt Shapiro tells the story of their close relationship in her new book "Eartha & Kitt: A Daughter's Love Story in Black and White.” The book feels more relevant now than ever as it illustrates Eartha’s groundbreaking positions on race, diversity, the anti-war movement and embracing LGBTQ people.

Today Kitt Shapiro joins us to look back on her mom Eartha Kitt’s amazing life and adventures, singing songs in Tagalog and Japanese, and her love for gardening and eating all her vegetables.

FEATURED BOOK:
📘 Kitt Shapiro - Eartha & Kitt: A Daughter's Love Story in Black and White
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Episode #3013