Smith had a difficult start to her career but that eventually smoothed out. In 1913 she started singing and dancing in Atlanta, Georgia for the blues singer Gertrude “Ma” Rainey. Then, for many years after, she toured with them. That was the bumpy part of her career, the hours were long, the accommodations were segregated, drinking, smoking, and gambling were common activities, but Bessie learned to be a tough woman from them. Her career took a positive turn when Frank Walker discovered her talents and she started doing recordings for Columbia Records. In the next few years, she made about 160 recordings, including some with other famous musicians like Louis Armstrong and Fletcher Henderson. over the course of 24 years, she was a prolific recording artist. Unfortunately, this all ended in an automobile accident.

Over the course of a short career, Smith helped develop blues as a uniquely American style of music. The appeal of her music went beyond just black audiences because it was relatable to both African American and White listeners. She influenced many great singers such as Elvis Presley, Janice Joplin, and others. Through her influences on jazz and rock music, Bessie Smith’s music remains relevant to this day.