Bessie Smith : a poet's biography of a blue's legend / Jackie Kay.
"Known for her prodigious musical talent, her timeless blues narratives about personal and socioeconomic problems, her tough persona, and her innate ability to enrapture audiences with her raw voice, Bessie Smith--the Empress of the Blues--receives a unique biographical treatment in this special life narrative captured by one of Scotland's finest poets. By masterfully blending research, fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and her own experiences in listening to Bessie Smith, Jackie Kay brings Smith to life, chronicling her humble beginnings in Tennessee to her national touring and recording success to her troubled relationships and her tragic end. The result is a lyrical tribute that not only captures Smith's personality but manages to reproduce her voice as her lyrics echo throughout the text. Bessie Smith lives on, and as Kay argues, she is relevant now more than ever"-- Provided by publisher.
Record details
- ISBN: 9780593314272
- ISBN: 0593314271
- Physical Description: xiv, 205 pages ; 21 cm
- Edition: Vintage books original edition.
- Publisher: New York : Vintage Books, a division of Penguin Random House, 2021.
- Copyright: ©1997
Content descriptions
General Note: | "Originally published in paperback in Great Britain by Absolute Press, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, Bath, in 1997, and subsequently published in paperback in Great Britain by Fager & Faber Limited, London, in 2021"--Title page verso. |
Bibliography, etc. Note: | Includes bibliographical references (pages 197-202). |
Search for related items by subject
Subject: | Smith, Bessie, 1894-1937. Singers > United States > Biography. Blues musicians > United States > Biography. |
Available copies
- 3 of 3 copies available at SPARK Libraries.
Holds
- 0 current holds with 3 total copies.
Other Formats and Editions
Show Only Available Copies
Location | Call Number / Copy Notes | Barcode | Shelving Location | Status | Due Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Albright Memorial Library | 92 SMITH (Text) | 50686016099397 | Adult Nonfiction | Available | - |
Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library | B SMI (Text) | 37268003116928 | AHMFL Biography | Available | - |
Easton Main Library | SMITH (Text) | 31901004538999 | Adult Biography | Available | - |