Down Hearted Blues

recording by Smith

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June 25, 2026

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"Down Hearted Blues" is a classic song recorded by Bessie Smith in February 1923, marking her first recordings for Columbia Records. This recording became an immense success, selling over two million copies and establishing Smith as a prominent blues singer. Smith, known as the "Empress of the Blues," toured with Ma Rainey before her recording career and became one of the greatest blues vocalists, celebrated for her rich voice and emotional delivery. Her songs often explored themes of poverty, oppression, and love, reflecting the experiences of Black Americans during her time.12

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Bessie Smith
…recordings, including the classic “Down Hearted Blues,” which became an enormous success, selling more than two million copies. She made 160 recordings in all, in many of which she was accompanied by some of the great jazz musicians of the time, including Fletcher Henderson, Benny Goodman, and Louis Armstrong.…
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…recordings, including the classic “Down Hearted Blues,” which became an enormous success, selling more than two million copies. She made 160 recordings in all, in many of which she was accompanied by some of the great jazz musicians of the time, including Fletcher Henderson, Benny Goodman, and Louis Armstrong.…
Read More