Mamie Smith is the woman who started Blues on record. ... Lastly, Bessie Smith defines the term of "classic" Blues singer; earned the title of "Empress of the Blues" with her sassy, bold songs that earned the respect of both Blues and Jazz artists. ... Joseph Lamb was a member of the "Big Three " Ragtime composers, which included Joplin and James Scott. ... Dorsey, who used to accompany Bessie Smith, but converted to church music and turned his considerable talents to writing religious music. ... Mahalia's earliest influences of music were Jazz bands and any beat-driven music by Bessie ...

• Word Count: 2036
• Approx Pages: 8
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School