Howard Keel
American actor and singer (1919-2004)
Bessie Smith was a legendary African-American blues singer during the Jazz Age, known as the “Empress of the Blues.” Despite a difficult upbringing, she rose to become one of the most popular female vocalists of the 1930s and a major influence on fellow blues and jazz singers.
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About the Bessie Smith
Bessie Smithwas an African-American blues singer widely renowned during the Jazz Age. Nicknamed the “Empress of the Blues”, she was the most popular female blues singer of the 1930s. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, she is often regarded as one of the greatest singers of her era and was a major influence on fellow blues singers, as well as jazz vocalists.
Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Smith was young when her parents died, and she and her six siblings survived by performing on street corners. She began touring and performed in a group that included Ma Rainey, and then went out on her own. Her successful recording career with Columbia Records began in 1923, but her performing career was cut short by a car crash that killed her at the age of 43.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bessie Smith was an African-American blues singer who was widely renowned during the Jazz Age. She was the most popular female blues singer of the 1930s and is often regarded as one of the greatest singers of her era.
Bessie Smith was born on April 15, 1894 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Bessie Smith was nicknamed the ,Empress of the Blues,.
Bessie Smith and her siblings survived by performing on street corners after their parents died when she was young. She later began touring and performed in a group that included Ma Rainey before going out on her own.
Bessie Smith’s successful recording career with Columbia Records began in 1923.
Bessie Smith’s performing career was cut short by a car crash that killed her at the age of 43 in 1937.
Bessie Smith was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 and is often regarded as one of the greatest singers of her era, with a major influence on fellow blues and jazz vocalists.
4 Quotes by Bessie Smith
- 1.
I ain’t good-lookin’, but I’m somebody’s angel child.
Bessie SmithAmerican blues singer (1894-1937)
- 2.
I’ve been poor and I’ve been rich, and rich is better.
Bessie SmithAmerican blues singer (1894-1937)
- 3.
No time to marry, no time to settle down; I’m a young woman, and I ain’t done runnin’ around.
Bessie SmithAmerican blues singer (1894-1937)
- 4.
It’s a long old road, but I know I’m gonna find the end.
Bessie SmithAmerican blues singer (1894-1937)