Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Profile: Bessie Smith, The Empress of the Blues

Bessie Smith, The Empress of the Blues

Bessie Smith (April 15, 1894 – September 26, 1937) was an American blues singer.

Nicknamed The Empress of the Blues, Smith was the most popular female blues singer of the 1920s and 1930s.[1] She is often regarded as one of the greatest singers of her era and, along with Louis Armstrong, a major influence on other jazz vocalists.[2]

[1]Jasen, David A.; Gene Jones (September 1998). Spreadin' Rhythm Around: Black Popular Songwriters, 1880–1930. Schirmer Books. p. 289. ISBN 978-0-02-864742-5.

[2]"Bessie Smith: Controversy". SparkNotes. 1937-10-04. Retrieved 2015-08-30.

Photo by Carl Van Vecten
Bessie Smith, February 3rd 1936

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