17 Musician Series: Bessie Smith And Josephine Baker

In this episode, Sarah and Drew explore the lives of LGBTQ musicians, starting with Bessie Smith and Josephine Baker. This conversation delves into the life of Bessie Smith, a pioneering blues singer known for her complex personality, turbulent relationships, and significant impact on music and culture. The discussion highlights her rise to fame, struggles with family and marriage, exploration of sexuality, confrontations with racism, and the powerful messages in her lyrics. Bessie's legacy is marked by her boldness and defiance, as well as her tragic end, which left a lasting impression on the music world. This conversation delves into the life and legacy of Josephine Baker, exploring her journey from a poor upbringing in St. Louis to becoming a celebrated performer in Paris. The discussion highlights her struggles with race and identity, her impact on civil rights, and her lasting influence on culture and society. Baker's bold performances and her role as a spy during World War II are also examined, showcasing her multifaceted contributions to art and activism.SourcesBessie Smith: The woman who sang the blueshttps://youtu.be/o-TqtAIc21M?si=9IPG74mWk3m26y6IBlues legacies and Black feminism : Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, Bessie Smith, and Billie Holiday by Anglea Davis (1998)The Scandalous and Triumphant Life of Josephine Baker.https://youtu.be/s1lf_Vd4xqw?si=BB5hP5IIQ1B8BQG8Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakeninghttps://youtu.be/3nHUh_yjLaA?si=-f7J-jFgwc8a30jKCheck us out on social media! Facebook: These Are The Gays Of Our Lives Podcast Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565221160383Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesearethegayspodcast/