History Alive! with Bessie Smith - Riverside Public Library

Join us for History Alive! with Bessie Smith and enjoy a musical and historical performance! Brought to you by the West Virginia Humanities Council.

As the most popular female blues singer of the 1920s and 1930s, Bessie Smith was the highest-paid Black performer of her day. Known as the “Empress of the Blues” by virtue of her forceful vocal delivery and command of the genre, her singing displayed a soulfully phrased, boldly delivered grasp of the blues. In addition, she was an all-around entertainer who danced, acted and performed comedy routines with her touring company. She was a staple of the “Chitlin’ Circuit” and throughout the Jim Crow South, and many of her tunes have been covered by various artists through the decades.

Portrayed by Doris Fields of Beckley.

You may also like the following events from Kanawha County Public Library:

• This Tuesday, 17th June, 10:30 am, Stories & Art at the Park - Coonskin Park in Cross Lanes
• This Thursday, 19th June, 03:00 pm, Read to the Dog in Charleston
• This Thursday, 19th June, 06:00 pm, West Virginia in Song: Featuring Roger Bryant - St. Albans Branch Library in Saint Albans

Also check out other Performances in Belle, Music events in Belle, Comedy events in Belle.