- Born
- Died
- Birth nameElizabeth Smith
- Nickname
- Empress of the Blues
- Height5′ 9″ (1.75 m)
- Bessie Smith was born on April 15, 1894 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA. She was an actress, known for Angel Heart (1987), Water for Elephants (2011) and Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004). She was married to Jack Gee. She died on September 26, 1937 in Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA.
- SpouseJack Gee(June 7, 1923 - 1929) (divorced)
- According to 1900 census, she was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States in July, 1892. That date stands in contrast to April 15, 1894, which is the date indicated on her wedding certificate and confirmed by family members.
- Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1981.
- Ranked #26 on VH1's 100 Greatest Women of Rock N Roll
- Blues singer.
- Elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 (under the category Early Influences).
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