Sexy and racy, Blues singer Bessie Smith was the definition of a Red Hot Mamma and the most successful entertainer of her time. On the eve of her tragic death in 1937, Bessie takes center stage in a ...

The Bessie Smith Cultural Center is unveiling a dynamic schedule of events and activities in celebration of Black History Month this year. As a cornerstone of cultural enrichment, the center aims to ...

Smith was barnstorming the South, performing her act under a canvas tent for Black audiences or in segregated theaters. One sweltering night in July, it took her to the heart of Concord’s Black ...

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Legendary blues singer Bessie Smith was born in Chattanooga in 1894. Her career started by busking on the corners of Ninth Street with her brother to help support their family. Photo by Gilles Petard, ...

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