Lightboxes
Cart
alb5414218

Bessie Smith, American Blues Singer

Bessie Smith (April 15, 1894 - September 26, 1937) was the most popular American blues singer of the 1920s-30s, often regarded as one of the greatest singers of her era and a major influence on subsequent jazz vocalists. In the 1920's Smith became the highest paid black entertainer of the day, heading her own shows, and touring in her own railroad car. Her career was cut short by the Great Depression and the advent of Hollywood talkies which spelled the end for vaudeville. Smith was critically injured in a car accident. At her funeral an estimated 10,000 mourners filed past her coffin. Carl Van Vechten, 1936 (cropped and cleaned).
Share
pinterestPinterest
twitterTwitter
facebookFacebook
emailEmail

Add to another lightbox

Add to another lightbox
add to lightbox print share
Do you already have an account? Sign in
You do not have an account? Register
Buy this image. Select the use:
Loading...
Title:
Bessie Smith, American Blues Singer
Caption:
Bessie Smith (April 15, 1894 - September 26, 1937) was the most popular American blues singer of the 1920s-30s, often regarded as one of the greatest singers of her era and a major influence on subsequent jazz vocalists. In the 1920's Smith became the highest paid black entertainer of the day, heading her own shows, and touring in her own railroad car. Her career was cut short by the Great Depression and the advent of Hollywood talkies which spelled the end for vaudeville. Smith was critically injured in a car accident. At her funeral an estimated 10,000 mourners filed past her coffin. Carl Van Vechten, 1936 (cropped and cleaned).
Credit:
Album / Science Source / LOC/Carl Van Vechten Collection
Releases:
Model: No - Property: No
Rights questions?
Image size:
4155 x 5400 px | 64.2 MB
Print size:
35.2 x 45.7 cm | 13.9 x 18.0 in (300 dpi)
Keywords: