Ken Clarke's Jazz Greats

Original version

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Ken Clarke's Jazz Greats - Bessie Smith

Factual: Life Stories

Music: Jazz & Blues

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Ken Clarke's Jazz Greats - Bessie SmithSearch BBC

Born in abject poverty and killed aged 43, Bessie Smith forged a new jazz sound.

Born in abject poverty and killed aged 43, Bessie Smith forged a new jazz sound. Ken and George Melly pay tribute. From 2004.

Bessie Smith was born in abject poverty.

Singing on street corners before her tenth birthday and tragically killed just 32 years later, she had crammed a lot of hard living into that relatively short life. 

Ken Clarke talks to George Melly about the woman who brought together the blues and ragtime traditions to forge a new sound in jazz.

Producer: Paul Evans 

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2004.

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Ken Clarke's Jazz Greats - Bessie Smith

Genres

BBC Radio 4 Extra

About BBC Radio 4 Extra