Called "The Bronze Blonde Bombshell" and "The Black Marilyn Monroe," here's Joyce Bryant singing "Drunk With Love."

Here are four popular dancers of the Harlem Renaissance gettin' down shaking. I know two of their names Marion Egbert and Roxie Joynes Campanella, wife of baseball legend Roy Campanella.

Ethel Waters (October 31, 1896 -- September 1, 1977) was an American blues, jazz and gospel vocalist and actress. She frequently performed jazz, big band, and pop music, on the Broadway stage and in concerts, although she began her career in the 1920s singing blues.

Released in 1928 on Columbia 1436D

Released in 1926 on Okeh 8338

Released in 1930 on Vocalion 1476

Recorded for ARC in 1935 but not issued commercially.

Columbia A3942 - 6-22-1923 - Nobody In Town Can Bake A Sweet Jelly Roll Like Mine - Fletcher Henderson at the Piano (Clarence Williams / Spencer Williams) Bessie Smith (April 15, 1894 -- September 26, 1937) was an American blues singer. Sometimes referred to as The Empress of the Blues, Smith was the most popular female blues singer of the 1920s and 1930s. She is often regarded as one of the greatest singers of her era and, along with Louis Armstrong, a major influence on subsequent jazz vocalists.

Columbia 13001-D - 9-26-1923 - Cemetery Blues (Sid Laney) Bessie Smith (April 15, 1894 -- September 26, 1937) was an American blues singer. Sometimes referred to as The Empress of the Blues, Smith was the most popular female blues singer of the 1920s and 1930s. She is often regarded as one of the greatest singers of her era and, along with Louis Armstrong, a major influence on subsequent jazz vocalists. Lyrics: Folks, I know a gal named Cemetary Lize, Down in Tennessee; She has got a pair of mean old graveyard eyes, Full of misery! Every night and day, You can hear her sing her blues away: I'm going down to the cemetary, 'Cause the world is all wrong! I'm going down to the cemetary, 'Cause the world is all wrong! Down there with the spooks to hear 'em sing my sorrow song. Got a date to see a ghost By the name of Jones, Got a date to see a ghost, By the name of Jones, Makes me feel happy to hear him rattle his bones! He's one man I always know just where to find! He's one man, I always know just where to find! When you want true lovin', go and get the cemetary kind! He ain't no fine dresser, He don't wear nothin' but a sack; Yeah, he ain't no fine dresser, He don't wear nothin' but a sack; Everytime he kisses me, that funny feeling creeps up my back!

The most famous song recorded by Ma Rainey is maybe her "Deep Moaning Blues" (1928) acc. by the Tub Jug Washboard Band (Georgia Tom Dorsey, piano) (Martell Pettiford, banjo) (Herman Brown, tub dm) (Carl Reid, jazzhorn, jug). Gertrude "Ma" Rainey was born on April 26, 1886 in Colombus, Georgia. She began her career as a performer at a talent show in her native town when she was approximately 12 to 14 years old. She met her husband, Will Rainey, just after this. In 1920, Mamie Smith was the first black woman to be recorded. In 1923, Rainey was discovered by Paramount Records producer J. Mayo Williams. She signed a recording contract with Paramount, and in December she made her first eight recordings in Chicago, including "Bo-Weevil Blues" or "Moonshine Blues". In 1924, Rainey recorded with Louis Armstrong, including on "Jelly Bean Blues", and "See, See Rider". Toward the end of the 1920s, live vaudeville went into decline, being replaced by radio and recordings.Rainey's career was not immediately affected; she continued recording for Paramount and earned enough money from touring to buy a bus with her name on it. In 1928, she worked with Dorsey again and recorded 20 songs, before Paramount terminated her contract. Her style of blues was no longer considered fashionable by the label. In 1935, Rainey returned to her home town, Columbus, Georgia, and became the proprietress of three theatres, the Liberty in Columbus, and the Lyric and the Airdrome in Rome, Georgia, until her death. She died of a heart attack on December 22, 1939.

Here's another classic, recorded the year before I was born! Born Gertrude Pridgett, she first performed in talent shows when she was about 13 years old . She met Will Rainey (also a performer) and they married in 1904. During the following years, she met the young Bessie Smith, on whom she had great influence (and the rest is history!!) This recording is one of her earliest. Her "Tub Jug Washboard Band" was made up of Herman Brown; kazoo&washboard, Thomas Dorsey; pno. Martin Pettiford; bjo. and Carl Reid; kazoo.

Mae Glover - Shake it Daddy I Can't Be Satisfied, Vol. 1 - Country Early American Women Blues Singers-Town & Country Classic Recordings from the 1920s A collection of classic recordings (from the 1920s) featuring the brilliant performances of great early women blues singers. This volume highlights the powerful and highly moving styles of rural performers steeped in the wonderful traditions of the American countryside, while Volume 2 profiles the more sophisticated uptown approach. The accompaniment is mostly guitar. Many legendary blues performers are represented here including Lottie Kimbrough, Mae Glover, Geeshie Wiley, Bertha Lee and countless more ton 23 different selections.

I Can't Be Satisfied, Vol. 1 - Country Early American Women Blues Singers-Town & Country Classic Recordings from the 1920s A collection of classic recordings (from the 1920s) featuring the brilliant performances of great early women blues singers. This volume highlights the powerful and highly moving styles of rural performers steeped in the wonderful traditions of the American countryside, while Volume 2 profiles the more sophisticated uptown approach. The accompaniment is mostly guitar. Many legendary blues performers are represented here including Lottie Kimbrough, Mae Glover, Geeshie Wiley, Bertha Lee and countless more ton 23 different selections.

1920

Paramount 12228 by Ida Cox with Lovie Austin's Blues Serenaders. Plays ok even with a big ole' 2mm crack in it. Recorded in August of 1924.

Ida Cox (February 25, 1896 - November 10, 1967)

Wanna set the world on fire That is my one mad desire I'm a devil in disguise Got murder in my eyes Now I could see blood runnin' Through the streets Now I could see blood runnin' Through the streets Could be everybody Layin' dead right at my feet Now man who invented war Sure is my friend The man invented war Sure is my friend Don't believe that I'm sinkin' Just look what a hole I am in Give me gunpowder Give me dynamite Give me gunpowder Give me dynamite Yes I'd wreck the city Wanna blow it up tonight I took my big Winchester Down off the shelf I took my big Winchester Down off the shelf When I get through shootin' There won't be nobody left

Released in 1929 on Victor 38502

He May Be Your Dog But He's Wearing My Collar Rosa Henderson Rosa Henderson Vol 1 1923

You've Got to Beat me to Keep Me Trixie Smith Vol. 2 1925-1929 Trixie Smith Not a sentiment often expressed today. "Beat me up for breakfast, knock me down for tea, Black my eye for supper, then youre pleasing me. Youve got to beat me to keep me, cause mama loves a hard boiled man."

I do not own the copyright to this recording. This video is for historical and educational purposes. Lillian Glinn was born in Dallas, TX. circa 1902. Hattie Burleson discovered her singing in church, and got her into Vaudeville performing. Glinn signed a contract with Columbia in 1927 and laid down 22 songs for the label up until 1929, traveling as far as New Orleans,LA. and Atlanta, GA. at times to record. However, Glinn was still deeply religious and left the blues scene behind returning to the church. There were photos taken of her when she was elderly, I haven't found any information as to when these photos were taken. This number was the last song that she ever recorded. Lillian Glinn:Vocals Possibly Octave Gaspard:Brass Bass Other musicians unknown Recorded in Dallas, TX. Friday, December 6, 1929 Originally issued on the 1930 single (Columbia 14519-D) (78 RPM) This recording taken from the 1992 CD "Blues Masters Volume 3:Texas Blues"

I do not own the copyright to this recording. This video is for historical and educational purposes Matilda Powell (maiden name unknown), was believed to have been from around the Utica or Hollandale, MS. area. In the 1930's she married musician Eugene Powell who later recorded under the name of Sonny Boy Nelson. In 1936, The Powells traveled to New Orleans to record for Bluebird along with members of The Mississippi Shieks, Willie Harris & Robert Hill. Matilda recorded four songs, and one of them were unissued. This gave her one record to her credit, and half of another that Bluebird coupled with Mack & Mack. These were her only recordings. Around 1942, The Powells moved to Greenville where Eugene went to work at the John Deere plant, to support his large family. In 1952, Matilda separated from Eugene, and moved to Chicago taking their one son and five daughters with her. "Mississippi" Matilda Powell:Vocals Eugene Powell aka Sonny Boy Nelson:Guitar Probably Willie Harris:2nd Guitar Recorded at the St. Charles Hotel, New Orleans, LA. Thursday, October 15, 1936 Originally issued on Bluebird B6812 (78 RPM) This recording taken from the 1997 CD "Four Women Blues"

Merline Johnson aka The Yas Yas Girl. Pre-war late 1930s Chicago blues singer. Recorded for Vocalion, Okeh, & Conqueror labels. Not much personal history available for her, but she recorded a lot!

I do not own the copyright to this recording. This video is for historical and educational purposes. Composed by Edgar Dowell, Clarence Williams & Spencer Williams Esther Bigeou:Vocals Piron's New Orleans Orchestra: Armand J. Piron:Director Peter Bocage:Trumpet John Lindsay:Trombone Lorenzo Tio, Jr.:Clarinet & Tenor Sax Louis Warnecke:Alto Sax Steve Lewis:Piano Charles Bocage:Banjo Bob Ysaguirre:Brass Bass Louis Cottrell:Drums Recorded in New York City, NY. c. December 14, 1923 Originally issued on the 1923 single (OKeh 8118) (78 RPM) This recording taken from the 1993 CD "Piron's New Orleans Orchestra"

I do not own the copyright to this recording. This video is for historical and educational purposes Composed by Bessie Smith & Clarence Williams Ida G. "Baby Blues" Brown was a theater singer born around 1900 and like many of her peers, she incorporated blues songs into her act. Details about her are scarce. She was known to have broadcast on WJZ radio in New Orleans, backed by Piron's Orchestra. She also appeared in several shows in New Orleans including "Baby Blues", and from that show she took her nickname. In the book "The Blues Who's Who" by Sheldon Leonard there is a photo of Ms. Brown, however, I was unable to locate it on the internet. Ida G. Brown only recorded two songs in her life, resulting in one 78 RPM record that was released on several labels. Despite that fact, they are extremely hard to find. Ida G. Brown:Vocals Possible musicians: Peter Bocage:Trumpet John Lindsay:Trombone Lorenzo Tio, Jr.:Clarinet Steve Lewis:Piano Any other musicians unknown Recorded in New York City, NY. February, 1924 Originally issued on the 1924 singles (Banner 1343), (Domino 360), (Oriole 267), (Regal 9639) & (Harmograph 906) (78 RPM) (The Domino release has her billed as "Flora Dale". The Oriole release came out as "Sadie Jones acc. by Louisville Jazz Band". The Harmograph release was issued as "Harmograph Ida and her Boys") This recording taken from the 1993 CD "Piron's New Orleans Orchestra"

I do not own the copyright to this recording. This video is for historical and educational purposes. Little is known about Bessie Tucker. Believed to have been from Texas, she may have come from the town of Katy. In 1928 she traveled on a train to Memphis, TN. to record, along with the Dallas pianist K.D. Johnson, fellow female blues singer Ida Mae Mack, and an elderly guitar playing gentleman by the name of Charlie Kyle. Tucker had another session in Dallas the following year, once again backed by Johnson on piano as well as other area musicians. Some of her song titles give dark images of 1920's and earlier life in Texas that makes you wonder about her childhood and teen years. "Got Cut All To Pieces", "Mean Old Jock Strapper Blues" and "Mean Old Master". No one knows what happened to her after her recording sessions and unlike most of her peers of the day, one photo of her survives. Bessie Tucker:Vocals K.D. Johnson:Piano Recorded in Memphis, TN. Wednesday, August 29, 1928 Originally issued on Victor V38018 (78 RPM) This recording taken from the 1992 CD "The Greatest In Country Blues Vol. 2 1927-1936"

Released in 1929 on Victor 38547

Released in 1929 on Vocalion 1433

I do not own the copyright to this recording. This video is for historical and educational purposes Ada Brown:Vocals Porter Grainger:Piano Recorded in New York City, N.Y. Thursday, May 2, 1929 Originally issued on the 1929 single (OKeh 8694) (78 RPM) This recording taken from the 1990 album "Female Blues Singers:Vol. B3 (1924-1929) (Fantasy/Selmerphone SHN-4014) (LP) (Austria)

Released in 1927 on Perfect 111