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BESSIE ’S C ONT RIBUT ION T O HARLEM RENAISSANCE
Bessie’s major contribution was recording her crazy
blues. These recordings helped save Colombia
Records from bankruptcy because of their high
record sales. She was also considered the highest
paid female African American entertainers in the
United States of America. Even though Bessie did
pass away she will always be remembered as the
Empress of Blues.
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
April 15, 1894 was the day Bessie Smith was introduced to the world.
She was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Bessie was one of the seven
children of William and Laura Smith. Throughout her childhood it was
not easy. She was raised in poverty in the south, her older sister Viola
took care of her once her parents had both passed away. Smith ran
away as a teenager to go join a traveling show as a dancer. She started
preforming in the fame of a woman who went by the name of Ma
Rainey. After preforming at carious theatres her career lifted off. She
was often referred as one of the greatest singers of her time.
MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Bessie was respected for many reasons. First off because the fact she
was a female blues singer. She was signed to Colombia Records in
1923. Also, her first session was on February 15, 1923. She was not
only a singer, but also wrote many of her own songs about the
struggles and the accomplishments of African Americans during the
1920’s and the 1930’s. Gulf coast blues and Downhearted blues were
two of the songs she is known for. She sang with many other famous
singer like Louis Armstrong and many more. The biggest
accomplishment in my eyes she has received is being know as the
“Empress of Blues”.
CHALLENGES & HARDSHIPS
Just like everybody in this world, Bessie had many issues of her own.
Bessie started singing at a very young age on nine years old for whatever
she could get. Both of her parents passed away at a young age so this
could cause her to give, but she did not. She would use the themes of
rejection, abuse, desertion, alcoholism, poverty and sexuality in her
music. Smith made it very clear to everybody she was very sexual. She
admittedly told people she was one time promiscuous and also bisexual.
Of course, a lot of people disagreed with her choice. Smith did not let that
stop her. She continued doing what she loved and encouraged people
around the world to move on in life.
IMPACT ON FUTURE GENERATIONS
Even today people are still listening to Bessie Smith.
People who are interested in the earlier year’s music
such as blues, still enjoy Bessiese music. Also, in
todays Movies they sometimes use her songs. In the
earlier days Smith influenced many singers today to
do what they love. For instance, she influenced the
well known singers Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone
and Janis Joplin.