Reviewed summary
Bessie: The Life of Bessie Smith, the Empress of the Blues
Chris Albertson’s biography strips away the myths that have long clouded Bessie Smith’s story. This is the Empress of the Blues as she really was—a fierce, savvy woman navigating racism, showbiz, and a brutal music industry. It’s a clear-eyed look at a legend, no fluff, no fairy tales.
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