FAQ About Bessie Smith
What was Bessie Smith's early life like?
Bessie Smith was born into poverty in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1894. Orphaned at a young age, she began performing as a street musician to support herself and her siblings. She eventually joined a traveling vaudeville show, which marked the beginning of her professional singing career. Despite her challenging upbringing, Smith's talent propelled her to stardom.
