Bessie Smith

Bessie Smith (April 15, 1894 – September 26 1937) in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA was the most popular and successful blues singer of 1920s and 30s, and a huge influence on the singers who followed her.

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Smith was initially hired as a dancer with the Moses Stokes company, a show that also included Ma Rainey, who did not teach Smith to sing but probably helped her develop a stage presence. Smith began developing her own act around 1913, at Atlanta's "81" Theatre and by 1920 she had gained a reputation in the South and along the Eastern Seaboard.

1894: 1894 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar)....

September 26: September 26 is the 269th day of the year (270th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 96 days remaining....

1937: 1937 was a common year starting on Friday (link will take you to calendar)....

Bessie Smith related Images and Photos (experimental)

Mr. & Mrs. Smith (DVD)	Mr. & Mrs. Smith	J.R. Smith	J.R. Smith
L.J. Smith	Bessie Love	Rod Smith	Rex Smith
Rex Smith	Josh Smith	Josh Smith	Troy Smith