Eartha Kitt: January 17, 1927 - December 25, 2008

Sad to hear the news this afternoon that talented singer and actress Eartha Kitt has passed away from cancer. Eartha Kitt was born on a cotton plantation and abandoned by both of her parents at a young age. For the majority of her life, was unsure of her birthplace and date, but in 1997 a group of university students traced her birth certificate to confirm the date of January 17, 1927.

It's rather apropos that she passes away on Christmas day, as she made the song "Santa Baby" famous after recording the holiday hit in 1953 - Eartha was the original recording artist of the song.