Bessie Smith was an American blues singer often referred to as the 'Empress of the Blues.' Born in 1894 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Smith became one of the most popular and highest-paid performers of her time. She recorded numerous hit songs, such as 'Downhearted Blues' and 'St. Louis Blues,' that showcased her powerful voice and emotional depth. Smith's influence on the blues genre and later generations of musicians is significant, solidifying her legacy as a pioneering figure in American music history.