Bessie performed with Black troupes for Black audiences. Vaudeville was a popular form of entertainment at the time and it was deeply segregated. Then she joined a series of vaudeville shows. Although it is generally accepted that Ma Rainey was a lesbian, it is difficult to prove the nature of her relationship with Bessie.īessie was eventually offered a chorus girl part in a touring musical. Many historians believe Ma Rainey and Bessie had a sexual or romantic relationship. Ma Rainey taught Bessie how to take care of herself as a young Black woman in the male-dominated entertainment industry. The famous blues singer Ma Rainey heard Bessie sing and invited Bessie to join her on the road. New opportunities seemed to pop up each time Bessie performed. In 1912, Bessie’s brother Clarence invited her to join him as a member of a musical troupe. But Bessie knew she had talent and refused to quit. Bessie’s older sister did not think performing was a respectable job, and often punished Bessie for singing in public. Bessie sang and Andrew played the guitar. Both of her parents died when she was young.īessie and her brother Andrew made money for the family working as street performers. Bessie Smith was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1894 or 1895.
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