• I was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1898.
  • I began a singing career in the modest circuit of vaudeville tents and small theatres.
  • I soon gained recognition as one of the prominent African American artistes of my day, thanks to my magnificent voice and blues-based repertoire.
  • I made a series of recordings throughout the 1920s, accompanied by leading jazz musicians including Louis Armstrong. These are considered classic blues statements.
  • I was nicknamed ‘Empress of the Blues.’ and later starred in the 1929 film, ‘St Louis Blues.’

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