Ceramic Mug 15oz (Esther Jones also known as “Baby Esther)

Esther Jones also known as “Baby Esther” was a child entertainer and a significant figure in Black history12. She was born in 1918 or 1920 in Chicago, Illinois2. From a young age, she showed a talent for singing, dancing, and acrobatics.. By the age of 4, she had already won a Charleston dance contest.

Esther Jones was known for her unique singing style, which incorporated scat and baby-style sounds like “Boo-Boo-Boo” and “Doo-Doo-Doo”.. This style made her a sought-after performer in New York City, where she entertained at famous venues like the Cotton Club and the Everglades Nightclub, She even performed internationally, earning acclaim in Spain, Sweden, and France.

Perhaps the most significant aspect of Esther Jones’s legacy is her connection to the cartoon character Betty Boop.  Esther’s performances inspired the creation of Betty Boop, but she never received any credit or compensation1. This fact was revealed during a lawsuit brought by white performer Helen Kane against Fleisher Studios, the creators of Betty Boop.  Kane claimed that her act had been stolen, but the trial revealed that she had actually mimicked Esther Jones’s act.

Despite her significant contributions to entertainment and her influence on one of the most recognizable cartoon characters, Esther Jones’s life and death remain largely shrouded in mystery1. Her story serves as a reminder of the many “hidden figures” in Black history whose contributions have often been overlooked or appropriated without credit.