description Bessie Smith Overview
Bessie Smith was an African American blues singer widely known as the 'Empress of the Blues.' She began her career performing in vaudeville tents and theaters before signing with Columbia Records in 1923. During the 1920s, she became one of the era's highest-paid and best-selling Black recording artists. Her powerful voice and emotional delivery on tracks like 'Down Hearted Blues' established her as a foundational figure in the development of classic blues and jazz vocal performance.
insights Ranking position
Bessie Smith ranks #1 of 161 in the Vaudeville ranking, ahead of Palace Theatre (New York).
help Bessie Smith FAQ
When did Bessie Smith sign with Columbia Records?
Bessie Smith signed with Columbia Records in 1923, and her first release, "Down Hearted Blues," became a massive hit that year. She would go on to record nearly 200 sides for Columbia over the next decade, making her one of the label's most important and best-selling artists.
Did Bessie Smith tour with Ma Rainey before recording?
Yes, as a teenager Smith toured with Ma Rainey's Rabbit Foot Minstrels on the Southern vaudeville circuit. Rainey mentored the young singer before Smith launched her own headline career on the Theatre Owners Booking Association (TOBA) circuit.
Did Bessie Smith appear in any films?
Smith starred in the 1929 two-reel short film "St. Louis Blues," based on the W.C. Handy composition she had recorded. It is one of the only surviving moving images of her performing and was added to the National Film Registry in 2006.
How did Bessie Smith die?
Bessie Smith died on September 26, 1937, from injuries sustained in a car accident on a Mississippi highway. Long-standing rumors that she was turned away from a whites-only hospital have been largely debunked, but the tragedy cut short the life of the Empress of the Blues at the height of her powers.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
