Bessie Smith
Bessie Smith (April 15, 1894 – September 26, 1937) was an American blues singer. Bessie Smith is an artist with a storied musical history. Her best songs and albums have passed the test of time, and spanned decades of listeners with her unique bluesy sound. Her signature renditions continue to draw audiences of budding and veteran musicians for centuries now, alike. For good reason too; Smith heavily influenced many other iconic blues, jazz, pop lyricists across genres and captivated their spotlight from around 1909 until her early demise in 1937. Much like any large figurehead before and since Smith's heyday, her volume of significant music will forever not only strike your fancy as an observer or curious enthusiast but—at present just as she initially had—open opportunities for generations born after her death, while inspiring essential creators amongst those who are currently at work.
Discovering the Legacy of Jazz Queen Bessie Smith
When it comes to musical legends, nobody comes close to the likes of Bessie Smith. She was a truly remarkable woman that pushed boundaries and carved a path for future generations of musicians. The queen of blues, Bessie Smith, is known for her powerful voice, her penchant for storytelling in her songs, and her undeniable talent for jazz. In this article, we will take a closer look at Bessie Smith's biography, musical genre, best songs, famous concerts, and critical acclaim.
Bessie Smith was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1894. She grew up with a tough childhood and faced numerous challenges as a young African American woman trying to make it in the entertainment industry. However, she persevered and became one of the most successful musicians of her time. Smith was known for her voice, which was powerful, soulful, and captivating. Her style was heavily influenced by the blues, but she also dabbled in other genres such as jazz, ragtime, and vaudeville.
One of Bessie Smith's most famous songs is Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out. This song was originally written by Jimmie Cox, but it was Bessie's version that really made it famous. The song tells the story of a person going through a hard time, and how the people they thought were their friends abandoned them. It's a song that is still relevant today, and it showcases Bessie's incredible ability to convey emotion through her music.
Another one of Bessie Smith's famous songs is Backwater Blues. Written by Bessie herself, this song has a haunting quality to it that is hard to forget. It tells the story of a flood that devastates a town, leaving people homeless and desperate. Bessie's voice is perfect for this song – she conveys both the sadness and the resilience of the people affected by the flood.
Bessie Smith was also known for her incredible live performances. In 1929, she performed a concert at Carnegie Hall that is still talked about today. She was the first African American woman to perform there, and it was a landmark moment in her career. Fans were impressed by her powerful voice, her flamboyant outfits, and her ability to connect with the audience.
Despite her success, Bessie Smith faced criticism from some corners of the music industry. Some people felt that her music was too raw, too emotional, and too unladylike. However, Bessie refused to change who she was or compromise her style. She continued to make music that spoke to people and that resonated with her own experiences.
In conclusion, Bessie Smith was a musical force to be reckoned with. Her voice, her talent, and her determination made her an inspiration to countless musicians that followed in her footsteps. From her early days performing on street corners to her legendary performances at Carnegie Hall, Bessie Smith's legacy will continue to live on. Her songs still have the power to move people, to make them think, and to inspire them. Bessie Smith was truly the queen of the blues, and her contributions to the world of music will never be forgotten.
In conclusion, Bessie Smith was a musical force to be reckoned with. Her voice, her talent, and her determination made her an inspiration to countless musicians that followed in her footsteps. From her early days performing on street corners to her legendary performances at Carnegie Hall, Bessie Smith's legacy will continue to live on. Her songs still have the power to move people, to make them think, and to inspire them. Bessie Smith was truly the queen of the blues, and her contributions to the world of music will never be forgotten.
Discovering the Legacy of Jazz Queen Bessie Smith
When it comes to musical legends, nobody comes close to the likes of Bessie Smith. She was a truly remarkable woman that pushed boundaries and carved a path for future generations of musicians. The queen of blues, Bessie Smith, is known for her powerful voice, her penchant for storytelling in her songs, and her undeniable talent for jazz. In this article, we will take a closer look at Bessie Smith's biography, musical genre, best songs, famous concerts, and critical acclaim.
Bessie Smith was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1894. She grew up with a tough childhood and faced numerous challenges as a young African American woman trying to make it in the entertainment industry. However, she persevered and became one of the most successful musicians of her time. Smith was known for her voice, which was powerful, soulful, and captivating. Her style was heavily influenced by the blues, but she also dabbled in other genres such as jazz, ragtime, and vaudeville.
One of Bessie Smith's most famous songs is Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out. This song was originally written by Jimmie Cox, but it was Bessie's version that really made it famous. The song tells the story of a person going through a hard time, and how the people they thought were their friends abandoned them. It's a song that is still relevant today, and it showcases Bessie's incredible ability to convey emotion through her music.
Another one of Bessie Smith's famous songs is Backwater Blues. Written by Bessie herself, this song has a haunting quality to it that is hard to forget. It tells the story of a flood that devastates a town, leaving people homeless and desperate. Bessie's voice is perfect for this song – she conveys both the sadness and the resilience of the people affected by the flood.
Bessie Smith was also known for her incredible live performances. In 1929, she performed a concert at Carnegie Hall that is still talked about today. She was the first African American woman to perform there, and it was a landmark moment in her career. Fans were impressed by her powerful voice, her flamboyant outfits, and her ability to connect with the audience.
Despite her success, Bessie Smith faced criticism from some corners of the music industry. Some people felt that her music was too raw, too emotional, and too unladylike. However, Bessie refused to change who she was or compromise her style. She continued to make music that spoke to people and that resonated with her own experiences.
In conclusion, Bessie Smith was a musical force to be reckoned with. Her voice, her talent, and her determination made her an inspiration to countless musicians that followed in her footsteps. From her early days performing on street corners to her legendary performances at Carnegie Hall, Bessie Smith's legacy will continue to live on. Her songs still have the power to move people, to make them think, and to inspire them. Bessie Smith was truly the queen of the blues, and her contributions to the world of music will never be forgotten.
In conclusion, Bessie Smith was a musical force to be reckoned with. Her voice, her talent, and her determination made her an inspiration to countless musicians that followed in her footsteps. From her early days performing on street corners to her legendary performances at Carnegie Hall, Bessie Smith's legacy will continue to live on. Her songs still have the power to move people, to make them think, and to inspire them. Bessie Smith was truly the queen of the blues, and her contributions to the world of music will never be forgotten.
LISTEN THE BEST BESSIE SMITH SONGS IN STREAMING
2023-11-16
The Highs and Lows of Bessie Smith: A Critic's Journey Through Her Famous Songs
It's not every day that a music artist is so universally popular and acclaimed as the legendary Bessie Smith. However, even this grand dame of blues had her shortcomings—a few bloopers here and there that us listeners can look back on now with a chuckle or two! Today, we'll take an irreverent journey through some of Bessie Smith's most famous songs to explore where she succeeded vocally...and also where she fell short. So let's show Bessie a little love (and maybe just a smidge of constructive criticism) as we dive into these classic tunes!
Bessie Smith is one of the most legendary blues singers of all time. Her rich, soulful voice has been celebrated for decades and continues to inspire musicians to this day. However, even the most talented artists have their own shortcomings. In this blog post, we will take a critical journey through some of Bessie Smith's most famous songs, exploring both her vocal strengths and weaknesses. Let's honor this grand dame of blues by examining her songs with a little bit of integrity!
Firstly, let's start with one of Bessie Smith's most famous songs, Downhearted Blues. This song is a bittersweet lament of a lover who has left her feeling lost and alone. Bessie's vocals show her emotional depth and how she could convey a wide range of emotions through her music. However, in some parts of the song, her voice is slightly off pitch, a rare occurrence for an otherwise immaculate singer.
Another famous song by Bessie Smith is Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out. This song is a somber reflection on how people often forget about you when you're in hard times. The song has a slow tempo, allowing Bessie's vocals to be the guiding force. Here, her voice is thick and powerful. However, the final verse of the song seems like it was rushed and does not give the listener enough time to appreciate the beauty of her voice.
Next up is A Good Man Is Hard to Find. This song has a thumping beat and an infectious melody. Bessie's voice is in top form here, hitting all the high notes and evoking the emotions that the song demands. However, the backing chorus sometimes ends up overpowering her vocals, making it hard to hear her.
In Gimme a Pigfoot (And a Bottle of Beer), Bessie takes on a more upbeat, lively tone. The song has a playful melody, and Bessie's voice complements it perfectly. However, at the end of the song, when she delivers her final gimme, her pitch is slightly off, which ends up detracting from an otherwise excellent performance.
Finally, let's talk about St. Louis Blues, one of Bessie's most celebrated songs. It has a slow, somber tempo and Bessie's vocals are perfection, hitting every note with precision. However, in some parts of the song, her voice fades a bit, making it hard to hear her and detracting from the overall performance.
In conclusion, Bessie Smith was an incomparable force in the world of blues. She had an emotive and rich voice that could convey a wide range of emotions. Through an honest analysis of her performances, we can see that even the most talented of performers have their off days. While Bessie Smith's performances have aged beautifully over the years, we can appreciate her even more knowing that they were not always perfect. Let's celebrate Bessie's strengths and have a chuckle at her bloopers, knowing that even the greats have to keep working at it.
In conclusion, Bessie Smith was an incomparable force in the world of blues. She had an emotive and rich voice that could convey a wide range of emotions. Through an honest analysis of her performances, we can see that even the most talented of performers have their off days. While Bessie Smith's performances have aged beautifully over the years, we can appreciate her even more knowing that they were not always perfect. Let's celebrate Bessie's strengths and have a chuckle at her bloopers, knowing that even the greats have to keep working at it.
Bessie Smith is one of the most legendary blues singers of all time. Her rich, soulful voice has been celebrated for decades and continues to inspire musicians to this day. However, even the most talented artists have their own shortcomings. In this blog post, we will take a critical journey through some of Bessie Smith's most famous songs, exploring both her vocal strengths and weaknesses. Let's honor this grand dame of blues by examining her songs with a little bit of integrity!
Firstly, let's start with one of Bessie Smith's most famous songs, Downhearted Blues. This song is a bittersweet lament of a lover who has left her feeling lost and alone. Bessie's vocals show her emotional depth and how she could convey a wide range of emotions through her music. However, in some parts of the song, her voice is slightly off pitch, a rare occurrence for an otherwise immaculate singer.
Another famous song by Bessie Smith is Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out. This song is a somber reflection on how people often forget about you when you're in hard times. The song has a slow tempo, allowing Bessie's vocals to be the guiding force. Here, her voice is thick and powerful. However, the final verse of the song seems like it was rushed and does not give the listener enough time to appreciate the beauty of her voice.
Next up is A Good Man Is Hard to Find. This song has a thumping beat and an infectious melody. Bessie's voice is in top form here, hitting all the high notes and evoking the emotions that the song demands. However, the backing chorus sometimes ends up overpowering her vocals, making it hard to hear her.
In Gimme a Pigfoot (And a Bottle of Beer), Bessie takes on a more upbeat, lively tone. The song has a playful melody, and Bessie's voice complements it perfectly. However, at the end of the song, when she delivers her final gimme, her pitch is slightly off, which ends up detracting from an otherwise excellent performance.
Finally, let's talk about St. Louis Blues, one of Bessie's most celebrated songs. It has a slow, somber tempo and Bessie's vocals are perfection, hitting every note with precision. However, in some parts of the song, her voice fades a bit, making it hard to hear her and detracting from the overall performance.
In conclusion, Bessie Smith was an incomparable force in the world of blues. She had an emotive and rich voice that could convey a wide range of emotions. Through an honest analysis of her performances, we can see that even the most talented of performers have their off days. While Bessie Smith's performances have aged beautifully over the years, we can appreciate her even more knowing that they were not always perfect. Let's celebrate Bessie's strengths and have a chuckle at her bloopers, knowing that even the greats have to keep working at it.
In conclusion, Bessie Smith was an incomparable force in the world of blues. She had an emotive and rich voice that could convey a wide range of emotions. Through an honest analysis of her performances, we can see that even the most talented of performers have their off days. While Bessie Smith's performances have aged beautifully over the years, we can appreciate her even more knowing that they were not always perfect. Let's celebrate Bessie's strengths and have a chuckle at her bloopers, knowing that even the greats have to keep working at it.
Tag: Bessie Smith, music artist, best songs, artist career
2022-11-01
Empress of the Blues: The Musical Journey of Bessie Smith
The world of music has been graced by several legendary figures who have made significant contributions that continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians. One such individual is Bessie Smith, known as the Empress of the Blues. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1894, Smith rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most successful and influential blues singers of all time. In this blog post, we will delve into Bessie Smith's musical biography, from her early life, most famous albums, and songs, to her impact on the blues genre.
Bessie Smith's musical journey began performing with her siblings on the streets of Chattanooga and later in traveling shows. She eventually joined the vaudeville circuit and caught the attention of Columbia Records producer, Frank Walker, with her powerful voice. Columbia signed her in 1923, and she quickly made her mark in the blues world, earning her the title, Empress of the Blues.
One of her most famous albums is The Essential Bessie Smith, which features some of her best-known songs, including Backwater Blues, Downhearted Blues, and St. Louis Blues. The album features her signature brassy, robust voice and her unique ability to convey emotion and storytelling through her singing.
In terms of her most famous songs, St. Louis Blues is undoubtedly her signature tune. Written by W.C. Handy in 1914, Bessie's rendition of the song catapulted her to legendary status. The song tells the story of a broken-hearted woman who has lost her lover to another woman. Bessie's interpretation of the lyrics and the haunting melody made the song her own, and it remains one of the most iconic blues songs of all time.
Bessie Smith's music was heavily influenced by the experiences of African Americans in the early 1900s. Coming from a poverty-stricken background and having faced discrimination and racism firsthand, Smith understood the importance of speaking out against social injustice. Her music often challenged societal norms, especially with songs like Prove it on Me Blues, which addressed gender and sexuality in a way that was bold for its time.
Despite her success, Bessie Smith faced constant obstacles. She had to navigate the male-dominated music industry, and her career suffered after the Great Depression hit. However, her influence continued to be felt even after her untimely death in a car accident in 1937. She inspired several musicians who came after her, including Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, and Janis Joplin, who famously said, Nobody sings the blues like Bessie Smith.
Bessie Smith may have passed away over 80 years ago, but her legacy continues to inspire and influence music to this day. Her unique voice, emotive storytelling, and defiance in the face of adversity cemented her as one of the most important figures in blues history. We can only imagine the impact she would have continued to have had she lived, but we can appreciate the lasting impact she left on the music industry. Bessie Smith will forever be remembered as the Empress of the Blues.
Bessie Smith's musical journey began performing with her siblings on the streets of Chattanooga and later in traveling shows. She eventually joined the vaudeville circuit and caught the attention of Columbia Records producer, Frank Walker, with her powerful voice. Columbia signed her in 1923, and she quickly made her mark in the blues world, earning her the title, Empress of the Blues.
One of her most famous albums is The Essential Bessie Smith, which features some of her best-known songs, including Backwater Blues, Downhearted Blues, and St. Louis Blues. The album features her signature brassy, robust voice and her unique ability to convey emotion and storytelling through her singing.
In terms of her most famous songs, St. Louis Blues is undoubtedly her signature tune. Written by W.C. Handy in 1914, Bessie's rendition of the song catapulted her to legendary status. The song tells the story of a broken-hearted woman who has lost her lover to another woman. Bessie's interpretation of the lyrics and the haunting melody made the song her own, and it remains one of the most iconic blues songs of all time.
Bessie Smith's music was heavily influenced by the experiences of African Americans in the early 1900s. Coming from a poverty-stricken background and having faced discrimination and racism firsthand, Smith understood the importance of speaking out against social injustice. Her music often challenged societal norms, especially with songs like Prove it on Me Blues, which addressed gender and sexuality in a way that was bold for its time.
Despite her success, Bessie Smith faced constant obstacles. She had to navigate the male-dominated music industry, and her career suffered after the Great Depression hit. However, her influence continued to be felt even after her untimely death in a car accident in 1937. She inspired several musicians who came after her, including Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, and Janis Joplin, who famously said, Nobody sings the blues like Bessie Smith.
Bessie Smith may have passed away over 80 years ago, but her legacy continues to inspire and influence music to this day. Her unique voice, emotive storytelling, and defiance in the face of adversity cemented her as one of the most important figures in blues history. We can only imagine the impact she would have continued to have had she lived, but we can appreciate the lasting impact she left on the music industry. Bessie Smith will forever be remembered as the Empress of the Blues.
Tag: Bessie Smith, musical biography, best songs, playlist
SONGS OF BESSIE SMITH - THE BEST SONGS OF THE ARTIST
1 - taint Nobody's Bizness If I Do
2 - Muddy Water
3 - Nobody Knows You When You're Down &
4 - Take Me for a Buggy Ride
5 - Cold in Hand Blues
6 - Young Woman's Blues
7 - Take It Right Back
8 - Black Mountain Blues
9 - St. Louis Blues
10 - Need a Little Sugar in My Bowl
11 - Me and My Gin
12 - Do Your Duty
13 - Careless Love Blues
14 - Careless Love
15 - A Good Man Is Hard To Find
16 - Back Water Blues
17 - Kitchen Man
18 - Trombone Cholly
19 - Down Hearted Blues
20 - Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out
21 - Alexander's Ragtime Band
22 - 'tain't Nobody's Bizness If I Do
23 - Gimme A Pigfoot
24 - Send Me To The 'lectric Chair
25 - Baby Won't You Please Come Home
26 - After You've Gone
27 - Empty Bed Blues
28 - Aggravatin' Papa
29 - Cake Walkin' Babies From Home
30 - Safety Mama
31 - Weeping Willow Blues
32 - You've Been A Good Ole Wagon
33 - Jail-house Blues
34 - At The Christmas Ball
35 - Reckless Blues
36 - Young Woman's Blues
37 - Devil's Gonna Git You
38 - In The House Blues
39 - The Yellow Dog Blues
40 - I Ain't Got Nobody
41 - Graveyard Dream Blues
42 - Boweavil Blues
43 - Baby Doll
44 - I'm Down In The Dumps
45 - Gulf Coast Blues
46 - Gimme A Pigfoot And A Bottle Of Beer
47 - Empty Bed Blues, Pt. 1
DISCOGRAPHY OF BESSIE SMITH
2018: Down Hearted Blues
2011: Bessie Smith Blues Queen
2010: The Anthology
2008: Squeeze Me
2005: Greatest Hits
2002: Great Divas
2001: Vocal Jazz
2000: Jazz 'n' Blues
1998: The Ultimate Collection
1998: The Masters
1996: Bessie's Blues
1996: Members Edition
1994: Mama's Got The Blues
1994: Alexander's Ragtime Band
1994: I Ain’t Got Nobody
1994: Lady Luck Blues
1993: 19 Reflective Recordings
1993: Dixie Flyer Blues
1990: St Louis Blues
1989: The Collection
1989: Mother Of The Blues
1972: Nobody's Blues But Mine
1972: Nobody's Blues But Mine
1971: Empty Bed Blues
1940: Empress Of The Blues