Bessie Smith

About

Empress of the Blues who sang in the 1920s and 1930s, releasing award-winning songs like "Empty Bed Blues" and "St. Louis Blues."

Before Fame

She worked as a street performer with her brother on the streets of Chattanooga. Ma Rainey mentored her and helped her develop her stage presence.

Trivia

She had a short-lived career on Broadway, but in that time she sang with Louis Armstrong.

Family Life

She was born to parents Laura and William Smith who was a laborer and part-time Baptist preacher.

Associated With

The great Benny Goodman made a small contribution to her 1933 recordings with the record label Okeh.