Bessie Smith

Bessie Smith, known as the "Empress of the Blues," was a significant American blues singer in the 1920s and 1930s. She was born in 1894 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and her powerful voice and emotional depth made her a leading figure in early jazz and blues music. Smith's recordings, such as "Downhearted Blues," showcased her talent and helped popularize the genre across the U.S. She faced racial and personal challenges but became a symbol of Black cultural expression during the Harlem Renaissance. Despite her death in 1937, her influence endures, inspiring countless musicians in various genres.