From the Publisher
"The first estimable full-length biography not only of Bessie Smith but of any black musician."--Whitney Balliett, New Yorker (on the first edition)
"A remarkably clear-eyed examination of Smith's personality (and sexuality) and, more important, of the gritty and greedy music business."--Benjamin Schwarz, Atlantic Monthly
"The most devastating, provocative, and enlightening work of its kind ever contributed to the annals of jazz literature."--Leonard Feather, Los Angeles Times (on the first edition)
From the Publisher - AUDIO COMMENTARY
"The most devastating, provocative, and enlightening work of its kind ever contributed to the annals of jazz literature." —Los Angeles Times
Blues Hall of Fame - National Blues Foundation
Member of the 2012 Blues Hall of Fame, as awarded by the National Blues Foundation.
2015 Emmy Awards
An inspiration for the Emmy Award-winning television movie Bessie (Outstanding Television Movie, 2015)
Library Journal - Audio
11/15/2014
In 2005, jazz journalist Albertson revised and expanded his 1972 biography of Bessie Smith (1894-1937), adding depth and texture to what was already the definitive biography of the singer's life and work. He included more details of Smith's early years, new interview material, and a chapter devoted to events and responses that followed the original publication. His use of research and interviews (including interviews with her remaining family members) offer a broader look at the world of vaudeville and the music business. While Smith, who was known as the "Empress of the Blues," was the highest paid African American entertainer of the 1920s and considered by some to be the greatest blues singer of all time, may not be as well known to younger audiences as she once was, Albertson here firmly establishes her importance in the music industry. Robertson Dean offers a wonderfully nuanced reading. VERDICT The audiobook is recommended for readers who enjoy blues music and biographies of musicians. -- Pam Kingsbury, Univ. of North Alabama, Florence
OCTOBER 2014 - AudioFile
Robertson Dean offers a solid reading of this biography of Bessie Smith, a pioneering jazz singer known as the “Empress of the Blues.” In the portions that cover the history and culture of the 1920s entertainment world, he keeps the text flowing by varying his pacing and adding appropriate pauses. But his real strength comes in direct quotations. He adopts just enough of an accent to clearly distinguish the speakers, whether black, white, American, or European. Further, the shifts from one to another sound perfectly natural. This book, an update of an earlier version, shines a light on Smith and offers perspective on the era’s artistic community as well as Smith’s rise and untimely death. R.C.G. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine
