Post by Auset on Apr 5, 2004 11:13:56 GMT -5
Also known as: Empress of the Blues
Dates: April 15, 1894 – September 26, 1937
About Bessie Smith: Bessie Smith was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee. After becoming an orphan at a young age, Smith began singing on the street when she was nine. In 1912, she was hired by a touring vaudeville show to work as a dancer. Blues singer Ma Rainey was a singer in the show, and trained and guided Smith.
After returning from tour, Smith became the leading singer at the 81 Theater in Atlanta Georgia, which was part of the Theater Owners Booking Association (TOBA). She also began touring on the TOBA circuit.
Smith’s talent was recognized when in 1923 she recorded her first record, “Down Hearted Blues.” It was a huge success, selling 780,000 copies. Smith continued to record throughout the 1920s with such musicians as Fletcher Henderson, Louis Armstrong, Joe Smith, and Benny Goodman. Along with regular recordings, Smith also continued to perform on the road. In 1929, she received a part in the film St. Louis Blues.
However, the effects of the Depression on the recording industry and Smith’s heavy drinking affected her career. In the 1930s, as Depression ended Smith transitioned into singing jazz. She began working toward making a comeback and started performing in shows and clubs again.
While Smith had become most known for her blues style, she also began to achieve success as a jazz singer. In 1935, she sang at the Apollo Theater in Harlem and later appeared in the Stars Over Broadway. However, her comeback was cut short when in 1937 she was killed in an automobile accident. At the time of her death, Smith had recorded over 200 recordings.
~ Jessica McElrath
Dates: April 15, 1894 – September 26, 1937
About Bessie Smith: Bessie Smith was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee. After becoming an orphan at a young age, Smith began singing on the street when she was nine. In 1912, she was hired by a touring vaudeville show to work as a dancer. Blues singer Ma Rainey was a singer in the show, and trained and guided Smith.
After returning from tour, Smith became the leading singer at the 81 Theater in Atlanta Georgia, which was part of the Theater Owners Booking Association (TOBA). She also began touring on the TOBA circuit.
Smith’s talent was recognized when in 1923 she recorded her first record, “Down Hearted Blues.” It was a huge success, selling 780,000 copies. Smith continued to record throughout the 1920s with such musicians as Fletcher Henderson, Louis Armstrong, Joe Smith, and Benny Goodman. Along with regular recordings, Smith also continued to perform on the road. In 1929, she received a part in the film St. Louis Blues.
However, the effects of the Depression on the recording industry and Smith’s heavy drinking affected her career. In the 1930s, as Depression ended Smith transitioned into singing jazz. She began working toward making a comeback and started performing in shows and clubs again.
While Smith had become most known for her blues style, she also began to achieve success as a jazz singer. In 1935, she sang at the Apollo Theater in Harlem and later appeared in the Stars Over Broadway. However, her comeback was cut short when in 1937 she was killed in an automobile accident. At the time of her death, Smith had recorded over 200 recordings.
~ Jessica McElrath
