Eartha Kitt

In an entertainment industry that has contentedly churned out stereotypes of black women as neck-rolling loudmouths, sexually-charged sapphires or brown-skinned Barbie dolls, that an Eartha Kitt could have existed at all is amazing.

Eartha Kitt was sexy for sure. She was beautifully feline--even until the end--and possessed a purring, arresting voice that wrapped a song or a spoken phrase like velvet. But her sexuality also conveyed power, sophistication, awareness and strength. Check out her singing "C'est Si Bon" above and the classic "Santa Baby" below. Nuff said: