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Her enormous success saved the company financially here...
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Very true! Columbia wasn't doing so hot in 1923 and Bessie was already a big star in her own right as far as her touring performances. She was already a big name before she even started to record. The blues craze was really on by 1923 and Bessie's voice was very appealing and Columbia records were manufactured fairly well to catch her voice. Especially after electrical recordings started. Bessie's records were very very popular and sold very very well. She was a great asset to Columbia in the early days of her recording career.
I can't remember the actual number but "Downhearted Blues" sold like 800,000 copies which was unheard of for a black performer! Or for any record PERIOD! It was a massive hit! And in some interview somebody has said that when you walked down the street you could hear that record being played on Victrolas all up and down the street. Everybody had a copy of it.
But as the depression set in and the phase of music shifted away from the more traditional and depressing blues songs, Bessie's contract was eventually dropped.
What else can I help you with?
Did Bessie Smith sing?
Yes Bessie Smith sing **************** Bessie Smith was known as the "Empress of the Blues." She was by far the most popular female blues singer of the 1920's. She recorded for Columbia Records which was a blessing due to their larger distribution being a major label. More of Bessie's records were mass produced and available than say Ida Cox on Paramount.
How many records did Bessie smith sell?
bessie smith sold over 3million
Who is bessies Smith?
If you google "Bessie Smith" you will learn about the great blues singer of the 1920s and 1930s, a seminal figure in the history of jazz. She was born in 1892 or 1894 and died in an auto accident in 1937. Her Columbia records have remained on the market ever since.
What was Bessie smith education?
did Bessie Smith go to school
What is Bessie smith real name?
Bessie smith
Who is the empress of blues?
Bessie Smith.
Who was nickanmed the empress of the blues and became the highest paid African American entertainer of the 1920s?
Bessie Smith Smith
What is Bessie smith's parents?
Bessie Smith's parents names are William and Larura smith.
What was Bessie smith name?
Bessie Smith was known as "the Empress of the Blues".
What was Bessie smith nick name?
Bessie Smith was known as "the Empress of the Blues".
When was Salutes Bessie Smith created?
Salutes Bessie Smith was created in 1980.
What is Bessie Smith's birthday?
Bessie Smith was born on April 15, 1894.
