Bessie Smith Photographs by Carl Van Vechten: Picture 2
Bessie Smith: Blues and Jazz Great
From singing on street corners to becoming the top-selling recording artist, Bessie Smith was known for her clear and dramatic vocals, and for her rapport with her audience.
Bessie Smith worked with Ma Rainey, and were friends, but the story that Bessie was taught to sing by Ma Rainey, or even kidnapped by her, are just not supportable.
Pictures in this series: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Index
Images of Bessie Smith courtesy of Library of Congress
