June marks the beginning of Black Music Month. “What is Black Music Month?” , you may ask… In June of 1979 President Jimmy Carter along with the support of song writer Kenny Gamble designated June as the time to formally honor the rich history  black music. This year in honor of Black Music Month, SOULE will celebrate a black LGBT music artist for each day of the month.

Today we celebrate one of the American blues legends, Bessie Smith.  During her time she was name one of the most influential blues vocalist, who opened the door for Black female music artists today. Her influence in the music world extended outside of the black community when Columbia Records signed her to produce a few race records.

HBO most recently covered her life in the biopic Bessie, played by Queen Latifah.

Don’t forget to check out a few of her songs below.

~H1~

~H1~