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3. Buffet Flats

Episode 3 of 5

Blues singer Bessie attacks her lover Ruby in a jealous rage and ends up in jail. Written and read by Jackie Smith.

After the end of her marriage, Bessie continued to have relationships with both sexes - It wasn't just the jazz that could 'swing'. But unfortunately, one love triangle ended in violence and jail........

Scotland鈥檚 National Poet Jackie Kay explores the success of Bessie Smith and the rise in popularity of the blues, as she brings to life the dramatic story of the greatest blues singer who ever lived.

Mixing biography, fiction, music and memoir, the Makar remembers the electric thrill of identification when, as a young black girl growing up in Glasgow, she was first encountered the Empress.

Abridged by Rosemary Goring

Read by Jackie Kay

Produced by Eilidh McCreadie

First broadcast on 大象传媒 Radio 4 in February 2021.

14 minutes

On radio

Wednesday 08:30
大象传媒 Radio 4 Extra

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2. Ma Rainey

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4. Richly Talented

See all episodes from Bessie Smith by Jackie Kay

Broadcasts

  • Wed 24 Feb 2021 09:45
    大象传媒 Radio 4 FM
  • Thu 25 Feb 2021 00:30
    大象传媒 Radio 4
  • Wednesday 08:30
    大象传媒 Radio 4 Extra
  • Wednesday 13:30
    大象传媒 Radio 4 Extra
  • Wednesday 19:30
    大象传媒 Radio 4 Extra
  • Next Thursday 03:30
    大象传媒 Radio 4 Extra

Eight remarkable tales of the Empress of Blues

Eight remarkable tales of the Empress of Blues

Jackie Kay narrates the life story of the troubled blues singer, Bessie Smith.