Bessie Smith - The Rough Guide to Blues Legends: Bessie Smith (180g Vinyl)

Bessie Smith was the greatest singer of her era and a major influence on subsequent jazz and blues vocalists including Billie Holiday, Mahalia Jackson, Nina Simone and Janis Joplin. The album includes a free download featuring extra Bessie Smith tracks and a bonus album: 'The Rough guide to Original Blues Divas'.

Bessie Smith was the first superstar of the blues with one of the greatest voices of the twentieth century. Dubbed 'The Empress Of The Blues', her majestic delivery and indomitable spirit were unsurpassed. Re-mastered for exceptional audio clarity, the emotional intensity and expressiveness of Bessie Smith still takes the breath away. Here, she is accompanied by the finest musicians of her day including Louis Armstrong, James P. Johnson and Fletcher Henderson.