Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Bessie Smith: An American blues singer, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential vocalists of her genre. Her career peaked in the 1920s and 1930s.

Usage

• Proper noun:
  • Bessie Smith is often called the "Empress of the Blues."
  • The music of Bessie Smith had a profound impact on later jazz and blues artists.

Advanced Usage

• Cultural Reference: The name is frequently used in discussions about the history of American music, the Harlem Renaissance, and the development of recorded blues.
  • The documentary explored the legacy of Bessie Smith.

Variants and Related Words

• The Empress of the Blues: A common epithet for Bessie Smith.
  • "The Empress of the Blues," Bessie Smith, recorded many classic tracks.

Synonyms

• Blues singer: A performer specializing in blues music.
• Vocalist: A singer.

Related Phrases

• Sing the blues: To perform or express feelings through blues music.
  • She could sing the blues with the raw emotion of Bessie Smith.

Noun

1. United States blues singer (1894-1937)