The Very Best Of

Bessie Smith dominated what has become known as ‘classic blues’. Living every day as though it were her last was hardly conducive to a long life, but it gave the singer experience of suffering which she brought out in her singing. Not that Bessie was lacking in humour; the recordings of more comic material are every bit as red blooded as her articulation of disillusionment and hurt.

Side One

1. Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out
2. Downhearted Blues
3. Gulf Coast Blues
4. Gimme A Pigfoot (And A Bottle Of Beer)
5. Aggravatin’ Papa
6. Baby Won’t You Please Come Home
7. T’ain’t Nobody’s Biz-Ness If I Do
8. Gin House Blues

Side Two

1. St. Louis Blues
2. Alexander’s Ragtime Band
3. I Ain’t Gonna Play No Second Fiddle
4. Empty Bed Blues (Parts 1 & 2)
5. After You’ve Gone
6. Careless Love Blues
7. A Good Man Is Hard To Find
8. Hard Driving Papa