Join us on a musical journey through Black history, celebrating the evolution of spirituals, blues, jazz, soul, and hip-hop, ...

Throughout “Flamboyants,” Johnson focuses on the fascinating lives of Ethel Waters, Ma Rainey, Zora Neale Hurston, Josephine Baker, Bessie Smith, Gladys Bentley, Langston Hughes, James Baldwin ...

Along with Williams's influence, Jones says she also took inspiration from other women like Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, women from church, and even some of Jones’ mother. “I felt like I'd seen ...

A showcase of teens’ talent and creativity includes flower silhouettes, neon acrylic artwork inspired by the artist Derrick ...

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom opened at the Detroit Repertory Theatre on Friday, Jan. 10 to a packed house. The show is the second production of the theatre’s 68th season. Evan Lewis Smith is the ...

The Ma Rainey House and Blues Museum is one of the landmarks in Columbus that you cannot miss when touring the black heritage trail. Ma Rainey or as some may call her “The Mother of Blues” was ...

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Bessie Smith Cultural Center hosted their annual "Speak Like a King" event Monday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Students from Chattanooga Preparatory ...

Bessie was born January 17, 1934 in Shirley, MA, the daughter of Claus G. Johnson & Olive E. (Frary) Johnson and was a lifelong resident of Leominster. She leaves her daughters, Diane Caissie and ...