The world mourns the passing of legendary singer and songwriter, Bessie Smith, who passed away on September 26th, 1937 at age 43. A two-time Grammy Hall of Fame Award winner, she was known as the “Empress of the Blues” for her highly influential vocal style during the 1920s and 1930s. Smith possessed a powerful voice and an immense range which earned her numerous accolades in the music world. Staring out as a dancer and singer on the vaudeville circuit, Smith switched her focus to blues music and made a name for herself as a recording artist. Her debut album, 1921's “Cox's Serenadiers”, was a huge success, and additional hits such as “Don't Cry Baby”, “Downhearted Blues”, and “Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out” followed. She also had great success in Broadway performances and films, earning a loyal and devoted fan base that spanned around the world. Beyond her influence in the world of music, Bessie Smith had a profound impact on the culture at large. She was a strong advocate for rights of African-Americans in the United States during a time of great racial inequality. Her boldness was admired by identities such as Billie Holiday and Aretha Franklin, who were both inspired by her example. Though she is no longer with us, the legacy of Bessie Smith will continue to resonate through her iconic work and powerful voice. She will be remembered fondly by countless generations.