She did this by breaking sales records and becoming one of the most popular and highest-paid blues singers of her time.
Smith's success helped to open the door for other African American musicians to record their music and have it released by major labels. She paved the way for the rise of blues, jazz, and other African American musical genres in the 20th century.
Here are some specific ways that Bessie Smith helped to prove the record companies in the 1920s:
- She had a powerful and distinctive voice that appealed to a wide range of listeners. Smith's voice was strong, soulful, and expressive, and it could convey a wide range of emotions. She was able to sing blues, jazz, and other genres with equal skill and passion.
- She recorded a wide variety of songs that appealed to different audiences. Smith's repertoire included blues, jazz, popular songs, and spirituals. She was also willing to experiment with new sounds and styles, which helped to keep her music fresh and exciting.
- She was a gifted performer who could connect with her audience on a personal level. Smith was known for her charismatic stage presence and her ability to engage with her audience. She would often interact with the crowd, tell stories, and make jokes, which helped to create a sense of intimacy between her and her fans.
- She was a successful businesswoman who knew how to market herself and her music. Smith was savvy about the music business, and she was able to negotiate favorable contracts with record companies. She also knew how to promote herself and her music, and she was often featured in newspapers, magazines, and other media outlets.
Bessie Smith's success helped to change the way that record companies viewed African American musicians. She proved that they could be commercially successful and that their music had a wide appeal. Her success helped to pave the way for the rise of blues, jazz, and other African American musical genres in the 20th century.