Sidney and Bessie Anew

We return this week with another early episode which highlights the life and times of New Orleans musician Sidney Bechet, the legendary jazz saxophonist and clarinetist, and his relationship with Bessie Smith, who he describes as “…the damnedest singer…that would really have the public going.” Featuring bits from his autobiography, we learn of his knack for finding trouble, his stint in prison, and of course his musical journeys with Bessie and others. Full of great songs and wonderful pieces of Bechet history, this is one of our classic episodes.