the miniature Josephine Baker

Esther Lee Jones, Helen Kane and more

[image of Esther from her 1929 cover story for Vu magazine, a French publication (image via Fleischer Studios)]

At just 10 years old, Chicago native Esther Lee Jones — performing as “Little Esther” — headlined her own vaudeville show at The Everglades Club in Florida. She captivated audiences with her silly singing voice, gymnastic dancing, spot-on scatting and uncanny celebrity impressions.