How did Bessie smith impact the Harlem renaissance?

Answer 1

She sung blues that inspired people to not be bothered by someone's opinion of you and to be yourself. Her music was so popular, it gave her the name "The Empress of Blues". She soon signed a contract with Columbia Records with a pay of 2000$/week. She soon could afford her own railroad car which protected her from racism. During the lean years, she couldn't receive the demanded pay so the company lost money. The company soon recovered during the swing era. Her journey ended on her way back from one of her performances in a car accident.

Answer 2

Bessie's major contribution came in 1920 during the Harlem Renaissance with her recording Crazy Blues. Other smash hits of hers were, Downhearted Blues and Golf Coast Blues. These recordings helped save Columbia Records from bankruptcy because of their high record sales (Hemsworth). Bessie was considered one of the highest paid female African-American entertainers in the United States of America. Over the years she appeared at major concerts and recordings. Bessie was called from labor to reward in September 1937 as a result of an automobile accident in Mississippi. She will always be remembered as the "Empress of the Blues."

Answer 3

Janis Joplin, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Norah Jones, and there's a list of classic rock bands that is endless!