Bessie Smith (April 15, 1894 – September 26, 1937) was an African American blues singer, nicknamed the Empress of the Blues. Photo of Bessie Smith taken by Carl Van Vechten, Public Domain, Library of Congress: https://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/van/, Feb. 3, 1936. Photo restored by Adam Cuerden.
From staff reports
Public radio will feature a recitation of the poem “Make Light with Rags,” about blues singer Bessie Smith, by Arcadia poet Louisa Loveridge Gallas, also Freshwater Reporter’s poet in residence, tonight between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. on WCMU, 94.9 FM. Those outside the regular listening area can livestream the show at: radio.wcmu.org.
Hosting the longstanding radio show “The Juke Joint” will be the “Duke of Juke” Robert Barclay, who will also pay tribute to blues guitarist John Hammond Jr., who passed away recently. Poet Loveridge Gallas, also a jazz vocalist and pianist, once opened for Hammond.
“Make Light with Rags” appears as a formidable nod to Women’s History Month in the March printed and digital editions of the Freshwater Reporter.
To hear a tune by Bessie Smith, visit YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEDbF77BYaFnZucR1E9GY1YrIYqRl
