Mimi Thoma was a renowned German cabaret artist and chanson singer born on October 9, 1909, in Munich, Germany, and passed away on May 16, 1968, in Cologne, Germany. She emerged from an artistic lineage, being the niece of the poet Ludwig Thoma. Initially trained as a nurse, Thoma transitioned into the arts relatively late, gaining prominence in the 1930s and 1940s.

Her career in cabaret began in 1930 with Peter Paul Althaus's literary cabaret "Der Zwiebelfisch," where she performed alongside notable figures such as Gustl Weigert and Ludwig Kusche. Thoma recorded extensively for labels like Polydor, Telefunken, and Deutsche Grammophon, with some of her work reaching international audiences.

During the Nazi era, Thoma's performances were tied to the regime's propaganda efforts, including appearances in events organized by the Reichssender München. She also took on minor film roles, notably in Frank Wisbar's "Fährmann Maria" (1936) and provided the singing voice for Brigitte Horney in Gustav Ucicky's film "Am Ende der Welt" (1943/1944).

After World War II, Thoma continued to perform, including a notable charity concert for the Red Cross in 1945. Despite ongoing tours in post-war Germany, her career waned, and she died in relative obscurity. Her grave in Cologne's Westfriedhof was eventually cleared after the lease expired. Mimi Thoma's legacy was briefly revived when her rendition of the children's song "Mamatschi" was featured in Steven Spielberg's film "Schindler's List" (1993).