Date of Birth: April 15, 1894
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Date of Death: September 26, 1937
Biography
Bessie Smith, often referred to as the “Empress of the Blues,” was an American blues singer widely renowned for her powerful voice and emotional depth. Born into poverty in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Smith began her career in show business as a teenager by performing on street corners with her brother. She later joined a traveling vaudeville troupe, where she honed her craft and gained recognition. In 1923, Smith signed with Columbia Records, and her first recording, “Downhearted Blues,” was a massive success, selling over 800,000 copies. Throughout the 1920s and early 1930s, she became one of the highest-paid African American performers of her time, known for her commanding stage presence and emotive interpretations of blues songs. Smith’s career faced challenges during the Great Depression, but she continued to perform until her untimely death in 1937. Despite her struggles, she left an indelible mark on the music industry, influencing generations of musicians and solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest blues singers of all time.
5 Interesting Facts about Bessie Smith
1. Bessie Smith was the highest-paid African American performer of her era.
2. Her first recording “Downhearted Blues” sold over 800,000 copies, a significant achievement at the time.
3. She was a victim of racial segregation and wasn’t admitted to a white hospital after her fatal car accident.
4. Smith’s powerful voice and emotional depth earned her the title “Empress of the Blues.”
5. She has been inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Grammy Hall of Fame.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Bessie Smith
1. “It’s a long old road, but I know I’m gonna find the end.”
2. “I don’t want no drummer. I set the tempo.”
3. “Blue songs are like electric lights in a colored neighborhood—they’re the only bright spots in the darkness.”
4. “The greatest blues singer in the world will never stop singing.”
5. “I ain’t never had no trouble with Bessie.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the height of her career, Bessie Smith’s net worth was approximately $200,000, a substantial amount during the 1920s and 1930s.
Children
Bessie Smith had one adopted son, Jack Gee Jr., whom she adopted with her husband Jack Gee.
Relevant Links
1. [Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bessie-Smith
2. [Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Profile](https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/bessie-smith
3. [Grammy Hall of Fame Inductee](https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/bessie-smith
