Between the 1920s and 1930s, Bessie Smith became the most popular female blues musician that there was. She led blues into its popular culture. She became known as the Queen of Blues. She was known to have her songs spark a sexual sense with how she sang and what she sang. She became the highest paid African American performer. She was a big artist in the south and soon became known all over. Her music talked about poverty, oppression, and love. The way that she spoke of it is what drew people closer to her. She was a bold and confident person who remains a staple of blues music.