History of blues
Blues originated in the late 19th century in the Deep South of the United States. Bues is deeply rooted in African American traditions and experiences, evolving from spirituals, work songs, field hollers,s and folk music of enslaved people—blues formed as a form of expression reflecting Black Americans’ hardships. By the early 20th century, blues started gaining popularity, spreading from the Mississippi Delta to Urbam areas like Chicago and St. Louis. Early Blues artists like Ma Rainey and W.C. Handy, known as the father of blues, aided in formulating the genre and boosting its popularity. Blues has paved the foundation for many other music styles, including rock and roll, jazz, and R&B.
Who is Bessie Smith
- Bessie Smith was among the most prominent and influential blues singers of the 20s and 30s. Named the “Empress of Blues,” she brought unparalleled depth and emotion to her music. Smith was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee; Smith kickstarted her career by singing on the streets before she joined traveling shows; she would eventually biome one of the highest paid Black female entertainers of her time. Smith’s debut record, “Downhearted Blues (1923), became a huge success, selling hundreds of thousands of copies and jumpstarting her career. She recorded 160 songs and sold over six million records throughout her career. Smith collaborated with many notable artists, including Louis Armstrong and Fletcher Henderson.
Smith impact on blues
Smith’s impact on Blues was monumental; she transformed the genre from a regional folk-based tradition to a mainstream commercial genre that appealed to many people. Through her exceptional vocal talent and ability to connect with her audience on a deeper emotional level, she elevated this art form to a more sophisticated, influential genre. Her work broke racial barriers within the music industry, showcasing the commercial success that African American music can have. She paved the way for Black female artists to succeed in a white male-dominated industry, inspiring generations of musicians, including Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, and Janis Joplin. Smith Records provided a foundation for blues vocalists and established blues as a pillar in American music history. Decades after her death, Smiths legacy still lives on through the current state of blues music, highlighting her significant role in the industry.
