The 'Empress of the Blues' was Bessie Smith, a renowned African American blues singer during the 1920s and 1930s. Smith was born in 1894 in Tennessee and overcame a challenging childhood to become one of the most popular and influential blues singers of her time.

Known for her powerful voice and emotional delivery, Bessie Smith's recordings sold millions of copies and she became the highest-paid Black entertainer of her era. She performed with jazz legends like Louis Armstrong and Fletcher Henderson, and her music helped shape the development of blues and jazz genres.

Despite facing racism and segregation during her career, Bessie Smith persevered and left a lasting impact on American music. She tragically died in a car accident in 1937 at the age of 43, but her legacy as the 'Empress of the Blues' continues to inspire musicians and fans to this day.