Bessie Smith movie on HBO: Queen Latifah calls title role 'draining'

When Dee Rees talks about what went into the writing and directing of "Bessie," her language starts to shift into the rhythms of the great soul singer's music. Bessie Smith, the subject of HBO's highly-anticipated biopic, 

In a recent interview with Uptown magazine Queen Latifah opens up with what it was like to portray 1920's blues legend Bessie Smith, who was known for her sexual fluidity and numerous relationships with both men and 

HBO's Lucinda Martinez talks about Solange and Janelle Monae's surprise music tour and why we're celebrating Bessie Smith's work today.

Many viewers will come to the HBO biopic "Bessie" with scant knowledge of its subject, blues legend and Chattanooga native Bessie Smith. But in the title role, Queen Latifah schools you with a bruising display of fierce drive, unstoppable talent and a

In anticipation of the film premiere, Solange and Janelle Monae joined up with HBO to throw the “Bessie's 81 Theater Tour” in New York City and Los Angeles to celebrate Smith with performances and Q&A sessions featuring the writers and producers behind