The iconic voices of female jazz & blues legends Billie Holiday, Phyllis Hyman, Nancy Wilson and Bessie Smith were honored at ...

NPR stories by Sylvia Jarrus ...

This may seem late, seven days into Black History Month, but it’s not ... Feb. 16 — In 1923, Bessie Smith, who recorded more than 150 songs, made her first recording, “Down Hearted Blues.” ...

That was more money than any other Black ... in our history is wonderful,” Davis said. The intersection of Chestnut Drive and Tournament Drive in Concord was the site of Bessie Smith’s ...

Thornetta Davis as Bessie Smith, and Sky Covington as Billie Holiday — celebrated the jazz and blues icons onstage, performing in Covington's "Satin Doll Revue" to close out Black History Month ...