Born on January 17, 1927, in North, South Carolina, she was an American singer, actress, dancer, and civil rights activist. Renowned for her distinctive voice and charismatic presence, she gained fame in the 1950s with hits like "C'est Si Bon" and "Santa Baby." She starred in films, television, and Broadway, notably as Catwoman in the 1960s Batman series. Her career spanned six decades, marked by her versatility and advocacy for social justice. She passed away on December 25, 2008.