Biographical notes on Smith, by Chris Albertson, in booklet.
Performer
Bessie Smith, vocals ; with various instrumental accompaniment.
Credits
Roots n' blues series producer: Lawrence Cohn.
Event
Recorded on various dates between April 11, 1923 and November 24, 1933 in New York City.
Contents
Disc one: Aggravatin' papa (3:16) -- Baby won't you please come home (2:55) -- 'Taint nobody's bizness if I do (3:26) -- Jail-house blues (3:13) -- Graveyard dream blues (2:43) -- Ticket agent, ease your window down (3:17) -- Boweavil blues (2:51) -- Weeping willow blues (3:09) -- Dying gambler's blues (2:57) -- St. Louis blues (3:10) -- You've been a good ole wagon (3:28) -- Cake walkin' babies from home (3:09) -- Careless love blues (3:25) -- I ain't goin' to play second fiddle (3:21) -- At the Christmas ball (3:24) -- Jazzbo Brown from Memphis town (3:19) -- Backwater blues (3:17) -- After you've gone (2:56).
Disc two: Alexander's ragtime band (2:58) -- There'll be a hot time in the old town tonight (3:18) -- Trombone Cholly (3:09) -- Send me to the 'lectric chair (3:29) -- A good man is hard to find (2:58) -- Dyin' by the hour (2:58) -- Me and my gin (2:49) -- Kitchen man (2:55) -- Nobody knows you when you're down and out (2:56) -- On revival day (a rhythmic spiritual) (2:54) -- Moan, you moaners (3:11) -- Black mountain blues (3:07) -- Shipwreck blues (3:19) -- Need a little sugar in my bowl (2:47) -- Do your duty (3:23) -- Gimme a pigfoot and a bottle of beer (3:28) -- Take me for a buggy ride (2:35) -- Down in the dumps (3:09).
Summary
Bessie Smith was a famous blues singer during the 1920's and 30's. All of these recordings were made during a 10 year period from 1923-1933. Includes 36 tracks on 2 discs that feature performances with Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman.