Bessie Smith, known as the "Empress of the Blues," was a monumental figure in the history of American music. Born on April 15, 1894, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Smith grew up in a time when the blues were blossoming in the American South. She began her career by performing in vaudeville shows and tent revues, honing her powerful voice and emotive style. Smith's big break came in 1923 with her recording of "Downhearted Blues," which became a massive hit and propelled her to national stardom.

Throughout the Roaring Twenties, Bessie Smith was a dominant force in the music industry. Her voice, characterized by its rich timbre and heartfelt delivery, communicated the depths of joy and despair. Smith recorded a prolific amount of work, including songs like "Empty Bed Blues" and "Me and My Gin," which have since become blues standards. Not only did she influence her contemporaries, but she also laid the groundwork for future generations of blues and jazz vocalists. Despite her untimely death in a car accident on September 26, 1937, Bessie Smith's legacy endures, with her recordings continually being celebrated and rediscovered through collections such as "The Essential Bessie Smith," "The Collection," and "The Blues Heritage." Her musical influence and pioneering role in the development of the blues genre are recognized as virtually unparalleled, making her an enduring icon in American music history.

Genres

Blues

Harlem Renaissance

Jazz Blues

Traditional Blues

Related Artists

Billie Holiday

Ella Fitzgerald

Etta James

Ma Rainey

Ethel Waters

Tina Turner

Mamie Smith

Dinah Washington

Memphis Minnie

Koko Taylor

Victoria Spivey

Ida Cox

Latest Release

Milestones of Legends - Female Blues, Vol. 1

Bessie Smith•

Mamie Smith

Album - 22 Tracks - Released March 18, 2018