Episode 8

EP8: The Empress of the Blues.

When Bessie Smith sang the blues, everybody stopped to listen. She had a powerful, earthy voice which embodied all the misery and sadness of the world. She was probably one of the best female blues singers who ever lived but she lived too high, drank too much and died tragically on 26 September 1937, in Clarksdale, Mississippi.

Bessie was the first bisexual, alcoholic, beaten by segregationists, cheated out of songwriting royalties, dark skinned singing sensation. She was also the first black, female superstar.

Crafted by a self confessed history geek for no financial gain, who enjoys those stories from the past that might have been forgotten, The Backtracker History Show is first aired on Bradley Stoke RadioFM in Bristol, England, before being plonked onto the podcast stage for all to enjoy

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About the Podcast

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The BackTracker History Show

About your host

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Alice The Backtracker

Hello there! My name is Alice and this is The Backtracker History Show Podcast where I ask you to join me on a meander down through the archives to find out more about the people, places and events from the past.

From tales of pirates and privateers to murderers, tragic accidents to war time escapades, this podcast has it all.
The show is originally aired on Bradley Stoke Radio, in Bristol, England, before being released into the wild in the form of a podcast.

You can show your support by spreading the word about the show, leaving reviews and sharing with all your family and friends. It really does help.

I endeavour to make this podcast completely free with no monthly payment system, but if you would like to make a donation to the show, then pop on over to https://ko-fi.com/backtrackeruk.

If you want some lovely Backtracker Goodies, head over to https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-backtracker-history-show