Modern blues can be traced back to Robert Johnson, his influence can be heard on numerous blues albums. Bluesmagazine gives a preview of blues albums that should not be missing from your collection with The iconic Blues albums․
The album “The Essential Bessie Smith” is a compilation album by the legendary blues singer Bessie Smith. Bessie Smith is considered one of the most influential artists in the history of blues music. She was active during the 1920s and 1930s and her powerful voice and emotional interpretation made her a remarkable figure in the music world.
This album contains a collection of her most iconic songs, which form a cross-section of her impressive career. Smith’s music is steeped in soul and raw emotion, and deals with themes such as heartbreak, loneliness and social injustice. Her songs are often based on her personal experiences, which gives them a deeper meaning. Some of the songs on this album are:
“St. “Louis Blues” (featuring Louis Armstrong) – This is another iconic song by Bessie Smith that showcases her talent as a storyteller and jazz singer. The song was written by W.C. Handy and is considered one of the greatest blues songs of all time.
“Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out” – This song is a moving portrayal of the loneliness that comes with poverty and hardship. It shows the emotional depth of Bessie Smith’s voice and her ability to draw the listener into her story.
“Tain’t Nobody’s Bizness if I Do” – This song is a powerful expression of individuality and rebellion against social norms. It shows that Bessie Smith was not afraid to go her own way and stand up for who she was.
“Backwater Blues” – This song tells the story of flooding and the devastation it brings. It is a poignant portrayal of the harsh realities of life and Smith’s ability to touch the listener.
The album “The Essential Bessie Smith” offers a great introduction to the work of this extraordinary artist. It embodies the spirit and authenticity of blues music and shows why Bessie Smith was such an important and influential figure in music history.
