The James Logan Courier

Bessie Smith (July, 1892 – September 21, 1937) is largely regarded as the most popular and successful blues singer in the 1920s and 1930s, and by some as the most influential performer in blues history.

She has had an enormous influence on singers throughout the history of American popular music, including Billie Holiday, Mahalia Jackson, and Janis Joplin.

She has often been referred to as the "Empress of the Blues."

Watch Bessie Smith perform Saint Louis Blues, with Fetcher Henderson Band and Hall Johnson Choir, via google video.