The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith

Soundcheck | Jul 29, 2011

Hers was a true blues story - unlikely success, fast living, and an untimely and tragic death. Today: A look at one of the most popular artists of the first half of the 20^th century, Bessie Smith. Plus: The Roulette Sisters draw on the sounds of early twentieth century blues and jazz on their first release in more than five years. They play live in the Soundcheck studio.

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

WNYC Homepage - Top Stories

Community Safety, Beyond Policing

Dep. Mayor Renita Francois talks about her job leading the Mayor’s Office of Community Safety, focused on violence prevention.

The Brian Lehrer Show |

Trump's Refugee Program Is Reserved for Whites Only

10,000 new spots for Afrikaners

On the Media |

Queens body shop owner uses illegal tow truck scheme to flaunt wealthy 'f---ing life'

David Borukhov recruits tow truck drivers on Instagram, pitching the line of work as a way to get rich quick.

Gothamist |

Mayor Mamdani to appear on WNYC’s ‘Ask the Mayor' with Brian Lehrer

The mayor will join the show for quarterly interviews beginning Tuesday, June 2.