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Bessie Smith, born on April 14, 1894, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, was an influential American blues singer known as the "Empress of the Blues." Many consider her the greatest blues singer of all time. In addition to her music career, she was a successful vaudeville performer and became the highest-paid African-American performer during the roaring twenties. Tragically, Bessie died in a car accident on September 26, 1937, near Clarksdale, Mississippi, from injuries sustained in the crash, which included severe damage to her arm. For 33 years, her grave remained unmarked until a headstone was paid for in 1970. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 as an Early Influence. On June 7, 1923, she married, which made her the aunt-in-law of Jack's niece.

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