Bessie Smith

In this captivating homage, Scotland's National Poet Jackie Kay explores the tumultuous life of Bessie Smith, often heralded as the greatest blues singer ever. Born in Tennessee in 1894, Smith rose from an orphaned childhood to become a musical sensation, known for her powerful voice and a life marked by both struggle and triumph. Blending biography, fiction, poetry, and prose, Kay presents a vivid portrait of Smith's extraordinary journey, celebrating her impact on music and culture while reflecting on her own connection to the iconic artist.