Bessie Smith

Bessie Smith (1894–1937) was an American blues singer, widely known as the "Empress of the Blues." She rose to prominence in the early 1920s after signing to Columbia in 1923 and became one of the leading voices of the era.

Born in 1894, Bessie Smith became a leading blues vocalist in the 1920s. She signed with Columbia Records in 1923; her recording of "Downhearted Blues" from 1923 is noted in contemporary reviews. She influenced later singers such as Janis Joplin, Billie Holiday, Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald. She died in September 1937.

A strongly positive review celebrates Bessie Smith as a central figure of 1920s blues and jazz. The review highlights her 1923 recording of "Downhearted Blues" and the emotional range across tracks in The Collection. The critic stresses her influence on later singers and regards her voice as unmatched.

For:Fans of classic blues, early jazz listeners, music historians, vocal enthusiasts