Bessie Smith, born April 15, 1894, was a well-known American blues vocalist during the Jazz Age. She was known as the “Empress of the Blues” and was the most successful female blues performer throughout the 1930s.
She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 and is widely considered one of the greatest singers of her age, as well as a major influence on fellow blues and jazz performers.
Smith was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and after her parents died when she was young, she and her six siblings survived by performing on street corners.
She began traveling with a group that included Ma Rainey before venturing out on her own. Her brilliant recording career with Columbia Records began in 1923, but her performing career was cut short when she was 43 years old in a vehicle accident.
Was Bessie Smith the highest-paid black performer?
Yes, Bessie was the country’s highest-paid Black performing artist. As the “Empress of the Blues,” she made about $2,000 each week on the road.
Bessie’s main source of wealth and renown came from her constant travel.
Because her records were so popular, more theaters and nightclubs sought to hire her.
