Ma Bessie: The Bessie Smith Story
Nicknamed the “Empress of the Blues”, Bessie Smith was the most popular female blues singer of the 1920s and 1930s. She is often regarded as one of the greatest performers of her era and was a major influence on other jazz singers. Ma Bessie and her band perform a narrated show, featuring music from the period and showcasing many of Bessie’s songs.
The show chronicles Bessie’s life from a one-room shack in Blue Goose Hollow, to becoming the highest-paid black entertainer of that time, to the tragic accident on Route 61 in September 1937 that tragically ended her life aged 43 years.
The band features vocalist Julia Titus (Ma Bessie) and a collection of the finest jazz/blues musicians from the south of England.
“She’s awesome” Rob Da Bank, Festival Owner and Curator, Camp Bestival
“Musical highlight” Paddy Maguire, Festival Artistic Director, Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival
“… there are not many singers around with Bessie’s style and certainly few in this country. An exception is the larger than life and hugely talented Julia Titus” Michael Eagleton, Marlow Jazz Club
