We complete our coverage of Bessie Smith by focusing intently on the connection between her music and her personal life.

The more you know about Bessie Smith’s personal life and the times she lived in, the easier it is to appreciate her magnificent artistry, and recognize her importance as one of the most influential artists that ever lived. Her legendary status is compounded by her untimely death. Her story is a combination of ribald revelry and tragedy, and you can hear every ounce of Bessie’s experience in each of these songs.

Here is a list of music covered in today’s program;

Backwater Blues

I'd Rather Be Dead and Buried in My Grave

Empty Bed Blues, Pt. 1

Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out

It Makes My Love Come Down

On Revival Day

Do Your Duty

Gimme a Pigfoot

St. Louis Blues (from film soundtrack)