The Empress of the Blues. Born in 1894, Bessie smith was one of the most popular and successful blues singers of the 1920's. As a professional singer, dancer, songwriter and actor, Bessie wrote songs about poverty, oppression, love—betrayed or unrequited—and stoic acceptance of defeat at the hands of a cruel and indifferent world. Bessie did a great job of stepping up to the stage for women and music, and her music outplayed many men like, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington. Bessie may not be the only reason women sing today, but she definitely has had a lasting impact on the musical history for women.
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