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Bessie Smith by Jackie Kay Episodes

  1. 5. An Unmarked Grave

    5/5 Scotland鈥檚 National Poet Jackie Kay examines the contentious death of the blues superstar.

  2. 4. Richly Talented

    4/5 Success and wealth in the 1920s for talented Bessie - but the 1930s are around the corner.

  3. 3. Buffet Flats

    3/5 Scotland鈥檚 National Poet Jackie Kay explores the rise of Bessie Smith and the blues.

  4. 2. Ma Rainey

    2/5 Bessie joins a travelling show and faces violence in her second marriage.

  5. 1. Like Finding a Friend

    1/5 A portrait of the tempestuous life of the iconic blues singer.