Bessie Smith

Very Best Of Bessie Smith

Bessie Smith dominated what has become known as 'classic

blues'. Living every day as though it were her last was hardly

conducive to a long life, but it gave the singer experience of

suffering which she brought out in her singing. Not that Bessie

was lacking in humour; the recordings of more comic material

are every bit as red blooded as her articulation of disillusionment

and hurt.