Bessie Smith was an American blues singer and songwriter who was known as the 'Empress of the Blues'. She was one of the most popular singers of the 1920s and 1930s and is widely regarded as one of the greatest blues singers of all time. She was a major influence on many other blues singers, including Ma Rainey, Billie Holiday, and Aretha Franklin. Her powerful voice and passionate delivery made her a star in the jazz and blues world.