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Two of the most popular cultural movements that really impacted the social nuance of the 1920s was the Panzy Craze and the Harlem Renaissance, so many talented performers graced the stage then. The one in specific that I would like to write about is Bessie Smith, who with her voice wooed the crowd and stood as a sign of resilience to everyone who heard her. She quickly earned the title of the Empress of the Blues, because of her attempts of breaking the countries of race, gender, and sexuality. She then became a great inspiration for the generation then, and even until now.

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Bessie Smith - Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out (Official Audio)

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Bessie Smith hails from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and blessed this earth with her birth in the year 1894. Though she was from a small town her dreams were big, and it is because of this that her passion for music lead her to follow her dreams. Her beginnings were formed up of street performances, as well as performances she gave at local theaters. All of this hard work paid off when Ma Rainey discovered her and became her guide through the professional musical world as well as becoming her mentor. Of course, Bessie’s magical voice and powerful stage presence caught the attention of the world, and soon she was off to the record labels, and then to being a star.

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Bessie Smith has for a very long time been and continues to be an icon in the world of the blues genre. Her voice carries deep emotion and soulful richness, that embodies everything from empowerment to heartbreaks. Her lyrics can bounce from the two extremes of happiness and deep dark pain, with so much authenticity. This resonated with the people and still does now. Her predominantly African American audience to this day still feels she has been able to carry out their voice and stories to the world, who would've been ignored otherwise. She became a symbol of pride and strength, empowering the Black community during a time of racial oppression and discrimination.

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This did not mean that her reach ended within the bounds of the African American community. And it is because of this and the fact that she was a Black woman herself that she had numerous difficulties and challenges. Her talent and the good she put out the world quickly broke barriers and opened doors for other artists that came after her. As she approached mainstream success, she earned the respect of both the Black and white people who listened to her words.  Smith shattered stereotypes and paved the way for other Black performers to gain recognition and acceptance on predominantly white stages.

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In the Pansy Craze period, which was characterized by the rise of LGBTQ+ performers, Bessie Smith embraced her own sexuality. While she did not openly identify as queer, she had relationships with both men and women, including her mentor, Ma Rainey. Through her unapologetic and authentic expression, Smith challenged conventional notions of femininity and helped create a more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals all around the world.

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Bessie Smith's remarkable talent and soul made her a huge figure during the Harlem Renaissance and the Pansy Craze. Her deeply satisfying vocals and deep lyrics gave voice to the marginalized, bridging divides of race, gender, and sexuality. Smith's legacy as the Empress of the Blues continues to inspire and empower artists today. She remains an iconic performer whose impact transcends time, reminding us of the transformative power of music and the importance of embracing our true selves.