Comments for Smith, Bessie, The Complete Recordings Vol. 1 2 CD's

This is the first in a series of 5 2-CD Columbia releases that will encompass all her work, including several alternate takes, the soundtrack from her 1929 film, "St. Louis Blues," and a full CD of interviews with Ruby Walker Smith, her niece by marriage, who toured with Bessie for 14 years. The first 4 volumes are released, the fifth (and Final) will be available in December, 1996. %

This is the first in a series of 5 2-CD Columbia releases that will encompass all her work, including several alternate takes, the soundtrack from her 1929 film, "St. Louis Blues," and a full CD of interviews with Ruby Walker Smith, her niece by marriage, who toured with Bessie for 14 years. The first 4 volumes are released, the fifth (and Final) will be available in December, 1996. %