Bessie Smith rose up from the depths of poverty, singing on Chattanooga street corners for food, to become known as one of the best blues singers of her time.
“Young people should take heart that she was a Chattanoogan and she got her start early,” said former Chattanooga Vice Mayor John P. Franklin. “Perhaps they can be encouraged to get started in their careers early and have some ambition to be successful, too.”
The Chattanooga singer is so legendary, the Smithsonian Institution is borrowing her dress from the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and plans to display it in its museums for the next three years.
The dress, a see-through sequined gown made of glass beads and lace, will be on display as part of an exhibit celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Apollo Theatre.
“This is an excellent opportunity for the Bessie Smith Cultural Center to gain national and international exposure,” said Rose Martin, the center’s executive director.