Bessie Smith

USA

English

Blues, Jazz

Love, hardship, social issues

Multiple blues recordings

The Empress of Blues, most popular singer of 1920s/30s, influenced Billie Holiday and Aretha Franklin

None primarily

Blues Hall of Fame, lasting influence

Influenced generations of blues and jazz singers

Blues ensemble backing

Powerful blues stage presence

Lead Vocalist

Some blues songwriting

Self-taught blues tradition

1894-1937