The "Empress of the Blues" was a title bestowed upon the legendary blues singer Bessie Smith. Bessie Smith was born in 1894 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and rose to fame during the 1920s and 1930s as one of the most popular and influential blues singers of her time.

Known for her powerful voice and emotional delivery, Bessie Smith's recordings helped to define the blues genre and pave the way for future generations of artists. She was a pioneer for Black women in the music industry and was one of the highest-paid Black performers of her era.

Despite facing racism and discrimination throughout her career, Bessie Smith's legacy endures as an icon of Black music and culture. She passed away tragically in a car accident in 1937, but her impact on the world of music continues to be felt to this day.