Bessie Smith
"Empress of the Blues"
BIOGRAPHY
Though she had sung on the streets accompanied by one of her brothers to collect money for her family after both parents had died, Bessie Smith became known after singing with the famous jazz singer "Ma Rainey". She also participated in multiple traveling groups, which also helped her rise to fame. Smith sang blues, jazz, and gospel. She is said to have pioneered the genre of soul music.
Bessie Smith suffered from depression and a drug and alcohol addiction,however she kept singing through her problems.
Event Information
Smith's Birth
Smith was born to a minister and his wife, along with 6 other children. Her father died not long after she was born, and her mother and two of her brothers died in 1906, leaving Bessie's aunt to tend to the children.
When?
Sunday, Apr 15, 1894, 12:00 AM
Where?
Chattanooga, TN, United States
Event Information
Bessie Smith's Death
Bessie Smith's death was a sad one, due to the fact that it could have been prevented. She was fatally injured in a car crash, but on the way to the hospital they passed a white hospital which could have saved her. However, she was not admitted there so they had to travel even farther to a black hospital. By the time they reached it, Bessie Smith had already died.
When?
Sunday, Sep 26, 1937, 12:00 AM
Where?
Clarksdale, MS, United States
Louis Armstrong
Bessie Smith's outstanding duets with Louis Armstrong also boosted her popularity.
How Bessie Smith Affected American Society
Bessie Smith became the highest paid African American and most successful African American jazz singer in the 20's, teaching us that you don't have to come from a wealthy family to make it big. Smith started out singing on the streets, and ended up very successful. She showed Americans that you can be successful no matter what race you are.
Modern Day Connection
As for background, I would connect Bessie Smith to Aretha Franklin, who has many similarities to Smith. For example, they both lost a mother in their early years, both their fathers were ministers/reverends, they were both born in Tennessee, and they were both African American. Their music genres are also similar-along with jazz, Smith also sang gospel, as did Franklin. They both had a blues style.
Below is audio of Aretha Franklin's "Rough Lover"
Rough Lover by Aretha Franklin
Bessie Smith (Down Hearted Blues, 1923) Jazz Legend
Down Hearted Blues
After being discovered by Columbia Studios, Bessie Smith recorded several songs, among which was this song, "Down Hearted Blues". The song was extremely popular, and in effect sold 800,000 copies. This song is said to be her most significant song due to its popularity. This song is probably the reason that we are studying her today.
Click for a collection of Bessie Smith's music
Can't get enough? Click above for a plethora of Smith's most popular tunes.