Bessie: Revised and expanded edition - Softcover

Albertson, Chris

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0300107560 ISBN 13: 9780300107562

Publisher: Yale University Press, 2005

Synopsis

This book-a revised and expanded edition of the definitive biography of Bessie Smith, known as the "Empress of the Blues"-debunks many of the myths that circulated after her untimely death in 1937. For this new edition, Chris Albertson provides more details of Bessie's early years, new interview material, and a chapter devoted to events and responses that followed the original publication.

About this title

Product Description:

Bessie Considered by many to be the greatest blues singer of all time, Bessie Smith was also a successful vaudeville entertainer in the roaring twenties. This book--a revised and expanded edition of the biography--debunks many of the myths that have circulated since her untimely death in 1937. 45 illustrations. Full description

Review:

"The first estimable full-length biography not only of Bessie Smith but of any black musician."--Whitney Balliett, New Yorker (on the first edition)
"A remarkably clear-eyed examination of Smith's personality (and sexuality) and, more important, of the gritty and greedy music business."--Benjamin Schwarz, Atlantic Monthly
"The most devastating, provocative, and enlightening work of its kind ever contributed to the annals of jazz literature."--Leonard Feather, Los Angeles Times (on the first edition)

About this edition

• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0300107560
• ISBN 13: 9780300107562
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 334