Bessie Smith (April 15, 1894 - September 26, 1937) was an American blues singer. Sometimes referred to as "The Empress of the Blues", Smith was the most popular female blues singer of the 1920s and 1930s. She is often regarded as one of the greatest singers of her era, and along with Louis Armstrong, a major influence on subsequent jazz vocalists. Her sometime backing band The Blue Boys consisted of Charlie Green on trombone, Fletcher Henderson on piano, and Fred Longshaw, also on piano.. ...show more

Bessie Smith (April 15, 1894 - September 26, 1937) was an American blues singer. Sometimes referred to as "The Empress of the Blues", Smith was the most popular female blues singer of the 1920s and 1930s. She is often regarded as one of the greatest singers of her era, and along with Louis Armstrong, a major influence on subsequent jazz vocalists. Her sometime backing band The Blue Boys consisted of Charlie Green on trombone, Fletcher Henderson on piano, and Fred Longshaw, also on piano.. ...show less