4. Richly Talented
The talents of the blues singer are richly rewarded in the 1920s - but can the good times last? Readings Adjoa Andoh. From 2021.
Blues singer Bessie Smith has her talents recognised in the 1920s. She enjoys an extravagant, hedonistic, lifestyle and proves herself a generous friend. However, the 1930s are a coming.
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 gifted the music of the Empress. Jackie was thrilled by some of Bessie's naughtier lyrics.
Abridged by Rosemary Goring
Written and read by Jackie Kay
Readings Adjoa Andoh
Produced by Eilidh McCreadie
First broadcast on 大象传媒 Radio 4 in February 2021.
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Thu 25 Feb 2021 09:45大象传媒 Radio 4 FM- Fri 26 Feb 2021 00:30大象传媒 Radio 4
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Eight remarkable tales of the Empress of Blues
Jackie Kay narrates the life story of the troubled blues singer, Bessie Smith.