Bessie Smith: A Poet's Biography of a Blues Legend

This is a beautiful genre twisting tribute to blues singer Bessie Smith, blending poetry, prose, fiction, and nonfiction to create an entirely unique biography of the Empress of the Blues. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1894 and orphaned at nine, Bessie Smith sang on street corners before becoming a big name in traveling shows. Her first recording for Columbia Records in 1923 sold 780,000 copies and catapulted her to fame. Known for her unmatched vocal talent, timeless blues narratives, tough persona, and ability to enrapture audiences, Bessie Smith remains a force and an enigma.

Author Jackie Kay combines different genres to create an enthralling account of an extraordinary life. She captures the soul of the woman she first identified with as a young Black girl growing up in Glasgow. Powerful and moving, Bessie Smith is a vivid biography of a central figure in American music history and a personal story about one woman’s search for recognition.