In an industry where biopics—especially TV biopics—rarely do their subjects justice, Rees' Bessie (which debuts May 16 on the cable network) does an excellent job of placing Smith and her legacy of music, sexual freedom and bravery in a historical
Bessie Smith's songs read like chapter titles of her tumultuous life: “Down Hearted Blues,” “There'll Be a Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight,” and “Gimme a Pig Foot and a Bottle of Beer.” Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee,
NEW YORK — Many viewers come to the HBO biopic "Bessie" — which premiered Saturday night — with scant knowledge of its subject, blues legend Bessie Smith. But in the title role, Queen Latifah schools you with a bruising display of fierce drive,
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
Figuring out what made Bessie Smith different from every other blues singer doesn't require a Ph.D. in musicology. “Bessie was just more ballsy,” says Queen Latifah, who plays Smith in the HBO movie “Bessie” that premieres Saturday at 8 p.m.. No matter