c) Bessie Smith

Bessie Smith, known as the “Empress of the Blues” in the 1920s, was a towering figure in the world of blues music. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1894, Smith began her career as a street performer and rose to become one of the most popular and highest-paid African American entertainers of her time. Her powerful, soulful voice and emotive delivery brought depth and authenticity to her performances, resonating with audiences across racial and socioeconomic lines. Smith’s music spoke to the struggles and joys of everyday life, particularly for African Americans in the early 20th century. Her recordings, including classics like “Downhearted Blues” and “St. Louis Blues,” are considered foundational works of the blues genre. Bessie Smith’s influence extended beyond her lifetime, inspiring generations of blues and jazz musicians and contributing to the development of American popular music.