Bessie Smith

15 April 1894 – 26 September 1937

Bessie Smith was an American blues singer widely regarded as the 'Empress of the Blues'. One of the most popular and influential blues performers of the 1920s and 1930s, she was known for her powerful voice and emotive delivery.

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Lived at the same time

Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with Bessie Smith.

Life events

Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee
15 April 1894

Bessie Smith was born into poverty in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Began performing as a street musician
c. 1904

Smith sang and danced for coins on the streets of Chattanooga as a child.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Toured with Ma Rainey
1912

Smith performed in traveling shows, mentored by blues singer Ma Rainey.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Signed with Columbia Records
1923

Smith began recording for Columbia, launching her rise to stardom.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Recorded 'Downhearted Blues'
1923

Her debut record became a major hit, selling hundreds of thousands of copies.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Recorded 'St. Louis Blues' with Louis Armstrong
1925

Smith recorded the classic W.C. Handy song accompanied by Louis Armstrong.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Appeared in the film St. Louis Blues
1929

Smith starred in a short film, her only known film appearance.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Died in Clarksdale, Mississippi
26 September 1937

Smith died from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Death ✓