(May 2024) Episode 573 is BESSIE SMITH. She is known as “Empress of the Blues” for being the most popular female blues singer of the 1920s and 1930s. Her vocal delivery over piano and jazz ensemble arrangements has come to be known as vaudeville or classic blues, to distinguish from the guitar-based styles. We are lucky to have a good set of recordings, despite their vintage, that provide a good appreciation of her powerful voice.
Favorite song: Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out
Compared to expectations: same
Recommendation: There are several compilations out there; all good.
Opus Project 