Bessie Smith

Bessie Smith (ca. 1895–1937) was a blues and jazz singer from the Harlem Renaissance who is remembered as the “Empress of the Blues.” Famous for the majesty and power with which she belted out tunes, Bessie had an unforgettable voice and stage presence – and she captivated black and white audiences alike. As part of the Peabody Award-winning documentary series “Jazz Profiles,” this episode about Bessie Smith was produced in 1996 by Rolando Arrieta and narrated by the show host Nancy Wi...