Along with Ma Rainey and Mamie Smith, singer Bessie Smith helped pioneer the genre of blues music and propel it into popular culture. Her early death at the age of 43 cut short a career that influenced the direction of American music and contributed to the success of African Americans in the performing arts. … [Read more...] about Wednesday Open Thread: Black LGBT individuals who shaped history
Bessie Smith
Monday Afternoon Thread: Your Blues Ain’t Like Mine
Ruth Brown - If I Can't Sell It, I'll Sit On It … [Read more...] about Monday Afternoon Thread: Your Blues Ain’t Like Mine