Bessie Smith | History Lives in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas | Hot Springs National Park Arkansas

#HistoryLives explores the rich and often sordid history of Hot Springs, Arkansas! In this episode, our host Chuck Dodson unravels the history of the legendary blues singer Bessie Smith.

In the 1920s, the singer Bessie Smith, "Empress of the Blues," known for her powerful voice and soulful performances found herself drawn to the healing waters of Hot Springs. Bessie performed at the Woodmen of the Union Building, a haven for black artists during a time of segregation and limited opportunities, alongside icons like Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, and Count Basie. Bessie Smith quickly became the highest-paid black entertainer of her time. In 1927, Bessie Smith and her husband, Jack Gee, came to Hot Springs for the therapeutic waters inspiring her to write the song "Hot Springs Blues" about the town's healing waters.

Photos courtesy of the Garland County Historical Society, Carl Vechten, William Morris Agency

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