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Bessie Smith (1894–1937)

Soundtrack

Trivia:

According to 1900 census, she was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States in July, 1892. That date stands in contrast to April 15, 1894, which is the date indicated on her wedding certificate and confirmed by family members. See more trivia »

Born:

Elizabeth Smith
in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA

Died:

(age 43) in Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA
25 news articles »

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Known For


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Filmography

Hide HideSoundtrack (14 titles)
2011 Water for Elephants (performer: "I Need A Little Sugar In My Bowl")
 
2008 Nights in Rodanthe (writer: "Backwater Blues")
 
2006 Idlewild (performer: "Do Your Duty")
 
2004 Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (performer: "About Her")
 
2000 History Lessons (documentary) (writer: "Soft Pedal Blues" - uncredited / performer: "Soft Pedal Blues" - uncredited)
 
1993 Bluesland: A Portrait in American Music (documentary) (performer: "St. Louis Blues")
 
1991 The Butcher's Wife (performer: "T'AINT NOBODY'S BIZNESS IF I DO")
 
1987 Angel Heart (performer: "Honeymoon Blues")
 
1986 'Round Midnight (writer: "Put It Right Here")
 
1981 Rich and Famous (performer: "Take Me for a Buggy Ride")
 
1975 Lucky Lady (performer: "Empty Bed Blues", "A Hot Time in the Old Town")
 
1975 Sanford and Son (TV series)
– Earthquake II (1975) (performer: "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out" - uncredited)
 
1975 Brother Can You Spare a Dime (documentary) (performer: "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out" 1923)
 
1929 St. Louis Blues (short) (performer: "St. Louis Blues")
 
Show ShowSelf (1 title)
1929 St. Louis Blues (short)
Herself
 
Show ShowArchive Footage (18 titles)
2003 The Blues (TV series documentary)
 
2003 Great Performances (TV series)
 
2002 It's Black Entertainment (TV special documentary)
Herself
 
2001 A Huey P. Newton Story (TV documentary)
Herself (uncredited)
 
2001 Blues Odyssey (TV documentary)
Herself
 
1999 The Century: America's Time
 
1999 Blues Masters (video documentary)
 
1993 Arena (TV series documentary)
 
1993 Bluesland: A Portrait in American Music (documentary)
Herself - Performer
 
1990 That's Black Entertainment (documentary)
Herself
 
1989 The Ladies Sing the Blues
Herself
 
1986 Brown Sugar (TV mini-series documentary)
Herself
 
1984 Before Stonewall (documentary)
Herself - standing at bar of speakeasy (uncredited)
 
1977 All You Need Is Love (TV series documentary)
 
1975 Sanford and Son (TV series)
 
1971 Black Music in America: From Then Till Now (documentary short)
Herself
 
1970 ...And Beautiful II (TV movie)
Herself
 
1969 Bessie Smith (documentary short)
Herself
 
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Personal Details

Other Works:

CD: "Bessie Smith Sings the Blues" (Columbia) See more »

Publicity Listings:

1 Article  | See more »

Height:

5' 9" (1.75 m)
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Did You Know?

Trivia:

According to 1900 census, she was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States in July, 1892. That date stands in contrast to April 15, 1894, which is the date indicated on her wedding certificate and confirmed by family members. See more »

Nickname:

Empress of the Blues See more »

Star Sign:

Aries