Early Life
Where was Bessie Smith Born?
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Who did she sign her first contract with?
Columbia Records
When was the song released?
1923
How many siblings did she have?
7
What did she struggle with affecting her career?
Alcoholism
How many copies of the song were sold in the first six months?
780,000
What instrument did her brother play?
Guitar
Why did her record sales diminish in the late 1920's?
The Great Depression
What was the name of the group she released this song with?
Gulf Coast Blues
Who did she live with after he parents died?
Aunt
What was her top hit?
Downhearted Blues
What was the true meaning of the song?
To describe what it's like to love someone that doesn't love you back.