Curated OER
Bessie Smith
In this online interactive history quiz worksheet, students respond to 41 multiple choice questions about the accomplishments of musician Bessie Smith. Students may submit their answers to be scored.
Curated OER
Lady Sings the Blues
Learners explore women and music in the 20th century. In this music lesson, students study the relationship between literature and music through The Color Purple and music by Ethel Waters, MA Rainey, Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Ella...
Curated OER
Bessie Smith
In this jazz history worksheet, students respond to 7 essay and short answer questions about the life and accomplishments of Bessie Smith.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: Drop Me Off in Harlem
A collection of biographies, video and audio clips, and photos offer a look at the people, locations, and themes of the Harlem Renaissance.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Musical Harlem
The Kennedy Center's ArtsEdge offers a great unit for introducing jazz to students. Its use of Harlem as the "glue" which binds together elements such as jazz history and jazz terminology, makes it particularly effective for the...
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Toolbox Library: Making of African American Identity: The Blues
Examples of the blues inspired by the African American migration to Northern cities. These lyrics and audio clips explores the reasons for, and effects of, these migrations.
Yale University
Yale New Haven Teachers Institute: How to Blues
This site has ten lessons to teach about the blues in which students learn the geography, historical events and performers associated with the blues. The unit has been recognized by the American Music Education Initiative as one of the...
Tennessee History For Kids
Tennessee History for Kids: Bessie Smith
Often known as the "Empress of the Blues," Bessie Smith influenced entire generations of blues, jazz, and rock musicians and was the highest-paid black entertainer of her time. This website will provide more information about Smith's...
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors: Web English Teacher: Langston Hughes
This resource focuses on the works of famous African-American author, Langston Hughes.
NPR: National Public Radio
Npr: August Wilson, Writing to the Blues
An interview with playwright August Wilson about the people who most influence his writing. He includes Amiri Baraka, Jorge Luis Borges, and Romare Bearden, and most especially, blues singer Bessie Smith. In addition to the interview,...
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Bessie Smith
Read detailed biographical information on the "Empress of the Blues", Bessie Smith, a 1989 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events and essential songs list.
Library of Congress
Loc: Web Guides: A Guide to Harlem Renaissance Materials
Presents the Library's resources as well as links to external web sites on the Harlem Renaissance, and a bibliography.
Digital Public Library of America
Dpla: Women and the Blues
This primary source set uses recordings, documents, and photographs to tell the story of the origins of blues music in which women were an influential part.
Scott Alexander
History of Jazz Before 1930: Bessie Smith, 1895 1937
This page offers information about Bessie Smith's life and work, including several audio recordings.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Bessie Smith
Biographical details on American singer, Bessie Smith, one of the greatest of blues vocalists.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: Bessie Smith
Known as the "Empress of the Blues", Bessie Smith was one of the greatest blues singers. Read a brief biography of her career as well as view a video performance of her singing with the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra with this resource.