29c Bessie Smith stamp

United States Postal Service1994-09-17

Smithsonian's National Postal Museum
Washington, DC, United States

Bessie Smith (1894-1937), the Empress of the Blues, began singing in public as a child for pennies. In 1923, her first recording, "Downhearted Blues," sold an unprecedented 750,000 records. She recorded more than a hundred blues and popular songs, paving the way for future musicians.

Reference: Postal Bulletin (September 1, 1994).

Scott Catalogue USA: 2854

Museum ID: 1995.2075.47

Show lessRead more

Details

Title: 29c Bessie Smith stamp
Creator: United States Postal Service
Date Created: 1994-09-17
Subject Keywords: Bessie Smith, stamp
Medium: paper; ink (multicolored); adhesive / lithography

Get the app

Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more

Zoom in

Adhesive Bessie Smith Blues Ink Jazz

Interested in Science?

Get updates with your personalized Culture Weekly

No, thanks

You are all set!

Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.