Did you know that Bessie Smith was forced to perform at a very early age? To know more such facts about this legendary Jazz singer, read this blog.

1. Some Inspirational Facts About Bessie Smith: An
Acclaimed Jazz Singer
The name Bessie Smith, often comes up when we talk about the swing era. Her melodious voice made
her one of the earliest recognized singers of jazz. Even though she was best suited to sing the Blues,
she went out of her way to establish a career for hersel
recordings, she has left behind a legacy for the upcoming generation. Through this blog, we are going
to learn about the most inspirational facts about Bessie and also pay a tribute to her.
A Difficult Childhood
After Bessie’s parents passed away at a tender age, she and her siblings had a very difficult childhood.
They were left on their own and Bessie’s elder sister Viola had to shoulder the responsibility of the
family. This is when the situation compelled Bessie and one of her younger brothers to earn their
livelihood. Soon, her industry and perseverance paid off, and
the impending gloom. Her efforts on the stage paid off and at the same time, she became a rising star.
This glimpse of Bessie’s childhood paints the picture of a self
turned it into her biggest strength. Moving on, she earned both money and fame for herself which
took her a long way into the future and paved the path for a successful and splendid career. You can
listen to all of her songs on big band radio stations
A Mother and a Fighter
The shining star had her own dark days of gloom and turmoil. People say that Bessie was one of the
first female singers to incorporate issues of domestic violence in her lyrics. She did this because she
Some Inspirational Facts About Bessie Smith: An
Acclaimed Jazz Singer
The name Bessie Smith, often comes up when we talk about the swing era. Her melodious voice made
her one of the earliest recognized singers of jazz. Even though she was best suited to sing the Blues,
she went out of her way to establish a career for herself in swing. Besides some commendable musical
recordings, she has left behind a legacy for the upcoming generation. Through this blog, we are going
to learn about the most inspirational facts about Bessie and also pay a tribute to her.
After Bessie’s parents passed away at a tender age, she and her siblings had a very difficult childhood.
were left on their own and Bessie’s elder sister Viola had to shoulder the responsibility of the
family. This is when the situation compelled Bessie and one of her younger brothers to earn their
livelihood. Soon, her industry and perseverance paid off, and she managed to bring her family out of
the impending gloom. Her efforts on the stage paid off and at the same time, she became a rising star.
This glimpse of Bessie’s childhood paints the picture of a self-made woman who used her talent and
her biggest strength. Moving on, she earned both money and fame for herself which
took her a long way into the future and paved the path for a successful and splendid career. You can
big band radio stations.
The shining star had her own dark days of gloom and turmoil. People say that Bessie was one of the
first female singers to incorporate issues of domestic violence in her lyrics. She did this because she
Some Inspirational Facts About Bessie Smith: An
The name Bessie Smith, often comes up when we talk about the swing era. Her melodious voice made
her one of the earliest recognized singers of jazz. Even though she was best suited to sing the Blues,
f in swing. Besides some commendable musical
recordings, she has left behind a legacy for the upcoming generation. Through this blog, we are going
After Bessie’s parents passed away at a tender age, she and her siblings had a very difficult childhood.
were left on their own and Bessie’s elder sister Viola had to shoulder the responsibility of the
family. This is when the situation compelled Bessie and one of her younger brothers to earn their
she managed to bring her family out of
the impending gloom. Her efforts on the stage paid off and at the same time, she became a rising star.
made woman who used her talent and
her biggest strength. Moving on, she earned both money and fame for herself which
took her a long way into the future and paved the path for a successful and splendid career. You can
The shining star had her own dark days of gloom and turmoil. People say that Bessie was one of the
first female singers to incorporate issues of domestic violence in her lyrics. She did this because she

2. ex-husband, Jack Gee of domestic violence, leading to a battle for the legal custody of their adopted
son. The couple had adopted a little boy whose custody she eventually lost after her divorce and legal
battles with Gee.
The revengeful act of her ex-husband almost battered her spirits but she kept herself alive through
music. She fought her way out even though the court took her son away from her. Bessie never gave
up and went on to win the hearts of her audience.
An Icon Facing Racial Discrimination
Being an established and successful singer could not save her from the clutches of racial
discrimination. When she was at the pinnacle of her music career, the existing laws prevented her
from traveling in the first-class compartments with the other white passengers. This was quite an
insult and blow to her prolific image. As a suitable answer to this insult, her recording firm, Columbia
Records, exclusively designed and then built a luxurious private rail car for her. It was expensive and
styled lavishly with a fully furnished kitchen, a bathroom, and seven staterooms.
Columbia Records did all these to respect their singer and give her the due reverence that she truly
deserved. It was just wonderful to see how Bessie was recognized for her merits and talents even
though she was a Black woman. Her stature was unconquerable by the petty issues of discrimination
and she emerged as a musical icon.
The life of Bessie Smith is indeed inspirational and if you want to listen to her melodies then tune into
your favorite jazz music radio station USA and listen to the following songs:
 Back-Water Blues
 Down Hearted Blues
 Baby Won’t You Please Come Home
 Saint Louis Blues
 Lost Your Head Blues
 Gimme a Pigfoot
 Careless Love Blues
 Need a Little Sugar in My Bowl
 Do Your Duty
 Reckless Blues and more
Conclusion:
If you are looking for one of the best big band radio stations then you must tune into Swing Street
Radio. This big band and swing radio station fills your heart with the pleasant delights from the
bygone epic era of Swing and Jazz. Here, you can keep on listening to one song after the other
without much break in between. Moreover, if you want to dedicate a song to someone special, you
can even leave a request with them. This is one place that is thriving to keep the essence and feeling
of jazz alive even in the 21st century.
Read the full article: https://swingstreetradio.wordpress.com/2022/05/26/some-inspirational-facts-about-
bessie-smith-an-acclaimed-jazz-singer/
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