Facts about Bessie Smith

Bessie Smith died at 43 years old
Born: April 15, 1894
Best known as: Classic blues singer dubbed "Empress of the Blues"

     
Buy from Amazon.com: Music by Bessie Smith

     

Bessie Smith Biography

Born into poverty and orphaned at an early age, Bessie Smith became the greatest blues singer of her era, recording more than 160 songs between 1923 and 1933.

Her early career was influenced by Ma Rainey, and Smith performed on stage throughout the southern U.S. before making records.

Smith recorded with such jazz legends as Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman and Coleman Hawkins, but it was Smith who was the star.

Her hits include “Downhearted Blues” and “Nobody Knows When You’re Down and Out.”

Extra credit

Smith appeared in the 1929 movie St. Louis Blues.


     

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