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An Archive for Virtual Harlem

Jessica Johnston, Author
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Musician Bessie Smith



Bessie Smith:

Born in 1894, Bessie Smith gained the nickname, The Empress (Queen) of the Blues, as she became the most popular female blues singer in the 1920's and 1930's. She is a major influence for other jazz vocalists. She started recording for Columbia Records in 1923. The label choice to establish a “race records” series and Smith’s song, “Cemetery Blues,” was the first song issued. Other big hits of Smith are “Gulf Coast Blues,” “Downhearted Blues,” and “Cake Walking Blues.”

Other Hits:

“Gulf Coast Blues”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoC9s-ylXvQ

“Downhearted Blues”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrLHXGHS-to

“Cake Walking Blues”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vat15SXdb_Y

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