Bessie Smith

April 15th –Bessie Smith’s birthday.  In 2013 there is 119 years since she born.
 

Bessie Smith had been a versatile actress and singer of the jazz and blues.
She had inspired her audience and fellow professionals, serving as muse.
Ms. Smith possessed a gift becoming a phenomenal performer of her time.
She had established a reputation of virtuoso singer with a voice of prime.
 
Smith earned a title of “Queen of the Blues” followed by title “Empress.”
She was the first Black artist, entertainer to become well paid and famous.
What was unique about her? The key, timing, tone, phrasing, range, pitch.
Smith was incomparable in genre, establishing her style, demeanor, niche.
 
Bessie exhibited strength, willpower, courage, persistence and intensity.
To argumentativeness, roughness she might have inclination, propensity.
Bessie conveyed as a persona of aim, purpose, aspiration, determination.
Her soul and heart, expressed by voice, evoked her tenderness, affection.
 
Bessie elicited a vocal prowess combined with her distinctive execution.
She had invented a new trend in entertainment industry or revolution.
Smith was elaborate communicating songs meaning, range of emotions,
Singing of love, poverty, oppression - toward equality was her devotion.
 
April 15th – birthday of Bessie Smith, a blues icon, legend, true sensation,
Deserving and achieving a global recognition, appreciation, admiration.
A former dance turned to a singer, fulfilled potential, prospered, shined.
As pioneer of her genre’s vocal interpretation, Bessie was simply divine!


Copyright©2013 Mila Alper


* Photo is from the Internet