17 Musician Series: Bessie Smith And Josephine Baker

Explicit content warning

03/14/25 • 86 min

In this episode, Sarah and Drew explore the lives of LGBTQ musicians, starting with Bessie Smith and Josephine Baker. This conversation delves into the life of Bessie Smith, a pioneering blues singer known for her complex personality, turbulent relationships, and significant impact on music and culture. The discussion highlights her rise to fame, struggles with family and marriage, exploration of sexuality, confrontations with racism, and the powerful messages in her lyrics. Bessie's legacy is marked by her boldness and defiance, as well as her tragic end, which left a lasting impression on the music world. This conversation delves into the life and legacy of Josephine Baker, exploring her journey from a poor upbringing in St. Louis to becoming a celebrated performer in Paris. The discussion highlights her struggles with race and identity, her impact on civil rights, and her lasting influence on culture and society. Baker's bold performances and her role as a spy during World War II are also examined, showcasing her multifaceted contributions to art and activism.

Sources

Bessie Smith: The woman who sang the blues

https://youtu.be/o-TqtAIc21M?si=9IPG74mWk3m26y6I

Blues legacies and Black feminism : Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, Bessie Smith, and Billie Holiday

by Anglea Davis (1998)

The Scandalous and Triumphant Life of Josephine Baker.

https://youtu.be/s1lf_Vd4xqw?si=BB5hP5IIQ1B8BQG8

Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening

https://youtu.be/3nHUh_yjLaA?si=-f7J-jFgwc8a30jK

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Sources

Bessie Smith: The woman who sang the blues

https://youtu.be/o-TqtAIc21M?si=9IPG74mWk3m26y6I

Blues legacies and Black feminism : Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, Bessie Smith, and Billie Holiday

by Anglea Davis (1998)

The Scandalous and Triumphant Life of Josephine Baker.

https://youtu.be/s1lf_Vd4xqw?si=BB5hP5IIQ1B8BQG8

Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening

https://youtu.be/3nHUh_yjLaA?si=-f7J-jFgwc8a30jK

Previous Episode

16: Bayard Rustin And Nell Carter

In this episode of 'These Are The Gays of Our Lives', Drew and Sarah explore the stories of LGBTQ figures, focusing on the legacy of Prince, the campy nature of Batman films, and recent positive developments for the LGBTQ community. They also share surprising experiences from Kansas City, highlighting its unexpected inclusivity and representation. This conversation delves into the life and activism of Bayard Rustin, a key figure in the civil rights movement. The speakers discuss Rustin's early life, his philosophy of nonviolence, his significant contributions to the March on Washington, and the challenges he faced due to his sexual orientation. They highlight his legacy as a courageous activist who fought for social justice and equality, emphasizing the importance of his work in the context of both civil rights and LGBTQ history. This conversation delves into the life of Nell Carter, exploring her tragic childhood, rise to fame, struggles with addiction, personal relationships, health crises, and her legacy. The discussion highlights the complexities of her character, her impact on television, and the challenges she faced throughout her life, ultimately painting a portrait of a talented yet troubled individual.

Sources:

E True Hollywood Story : Nell Carter

Brother Outsider: The life of BYard Rustin. 2003.

Next Episode

18: Musician Series- Esquerita And Sister Rosetta Tharpe

In this episode of 'These Are The Gays of Our Lives,' Drew and Sarah explore the rich history of LGBTQ+ musicians, highlighting the importance of representation in music and media. The episode culminates in a tribute to Sister Rosetta Tharp, the godmother of rock and roll, whose influence on music is profound and often overlooked. This conversation delves into the life and legacy of Rosetta Tharpe, a pioneering figure in gospel music who significantly influenced the development of rock and roll. The discussion covers her early life, rise to fame, personal struggles, and the cultural impact she had on music and society. Despite her groundbreaking contributions, Tharpe faced numerous challenges, including societal expectations and personal relationships, ultimately leading to a complex legacy that deserves recognition. This conversation explores the legacies of Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Esquerida, two influential yet often overlooked figures in the history of rock and roll. The discussion highlights their contributions to music, their struggles with identity and acceptance, and the impact they had on future generations of musicians. Through anecdotes and historical context, the speakers delve into the complexities of their lives, their artistry, and the societal challenges they faced, ultimately shedding light on their rightful places in music history.

Sources-

The Godmother of Rock n Roll - Sister Rosetta Tharpe

https://youtu.be/FKK_EQ4pj9A?si=5VcEpdo6xvqcGa0z

Esquerita

https://www.bluesandrhythm.co.uk/documents/BR270-Esquerita.pdf