DOWN HEARTED BLUES (vinyl)

Description

Bessie Smith was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on April 15, 1894. She lost her parents at a young age. To support her family, Bessie and her brother began performing on the streets. There, she was discovered and joined Ma Rainey's troupe, initially as a dancer. She worked with them for several years before signing a contract with Columbia and beginning a recording career. However, the Great Depression brought an end to this fruitful collaboration. The public turned away from the blues, and the record company removed Bessie from the studios. Nevertheless, she continued to be very popular in the South and continued to play to packed houses there. On September 26, 1937, Bessie Smith was involved in a tragic accident while traveling to perform in Memphis. She succumbed to her injuries.