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A Beginner's Guide to the Blues: 4: Bessie Smith

on BBC Radio 2

Paul Jones profiles six blues greats who were instrumental in defining post-war blues.
A tribute to the "Empress of the Blues", the unpolished, uninhibited singer who, in 1923, became the first major jazz and blues recording artist and remains to this day one of the most powerful voices on record. Among the classics are St Louis Blues, Need a Little Sugar in My Bowl and Alexander's Ragtime Band.

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Presenter:
Paul Jones

BBC Radio 2

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