Vocalist Bessie Smith was hailed “The Empress Of The Blues” despite an all-too-short career that spanned the early 1920s to her untimely death in 1937. In recognition of Women’s History Month, this ...

She recorded for only 10 years. But during that decade, singer Bessie Smith arguably did more than anyone to advance the blues as a bedrock of American popular music. On Feb. 16, 1923, she walked into ...

The Makar of Scotland, their poet laureate, from 2016 to 2021, Jackie Kay discusses growing up Black and adopted in an all-white section of Glasgow. Her imaginary family included Bessie Smith. She ...

One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today. SHAPIRO: Or does rock 'n' roll owe a ...

Bessie Smith, known as the “Empress of the Blues,” was a trailblazer in the world of blues music. Born in 1894 in Tennessee, Bessie began her career as a street performer before rising to fame in the ...

All About Jazz is celebrating Bessie Smith's birthday today! “Empress of the Blues” She embodied the meaning of the blues, living the life she sang about. Bessie Smith set the standard for blues ...

"The Empress of the Blues" gave voice the listeners' tribulations and yearnings of the 1920s and '30s. A new 10-CD box set collects the complete... The Mythic Power Of Bessie Smith Vocalist Bessie ...

There’s a reason Bessie Smith was known as the Empress of the Blues. Her heartfelt songs and gritty glamour introduced the sounds of African American music to large audiences in the 1920s and 30s. She ...

Breaking news to your phone. US mobile only. No password required. Broadway + NYC Broadway Off-Broadway Off-Off Broadway Cabaret Dance Opera Classical Music West End / UK Note: Award winners are ...