Advertisement for Bessie Smith's "Washwoman's Blues"
Newspaper advertisementTitle
Advertisement for Bessie Smith's "Washwoman's Blues"
Description
This advertisement depicts and states the popular "low down" style that Bessie Smith and other famous blues queens were known for. Smith sang, performed, and advertised herself as "low down" or "down home" intentionally, as this singing style was popular among consumers. Yet it contradicted with the flashy costumes and jewelry Smith and other blues queens wore on stage. Though conflicting, the "up town" presentation mixed with the "down home" singing style was what made Smith and other blues queens hits in the late 1920s.
Date
December 21, 1928
Type
Newspaper advertisement
Related to
This advertisement depicts and states the popular "low down" style that Bessie Smith and other famous blues queens were known for. Smith sang, performed, and advertised herself as "low down" or "down home" intentionally, as this singing style was popular among consumers. Yet it contradicted with the flashy costumes and jewelry Smith and other blues queens wore on stage. Though conflicting, the "up town" presentation mixed with the "down home" singing style was what made Smith and other blues queens hits in the late 1920s.