Bessie Smith - Red Mountain Blues

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Goin' around Red Mountain in the mornin'
Goin' around Red Mountain sure's you born
And if you never, never no more see me again
Remember me when I'm gone

Now sit down and write a letter for me
And send it straight to the man I love
Just tell him, when you find him, I'll be gone
A-roamin' the road above

Down in the valley, my head was hangin' low
My poor heart was achin', he'd hurt me so
Fortune teller told me what I had to do
Get myself some snake rue, sold right in the tube

Got myself some snake rue, ------ ------ too
Use them both together, I know what they will do
Took some in my pocket, put some in my booze
That don't make him love me, I'll saw right in the tube

Goin' around Red Mountain in a hurry
I'm goin' where I can change my mind
And if I can't get rid of all my worries
Then I'll be gone for a long long time

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Bessie Smith

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Biography

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Bessie Smith, born in 1894 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is renowned as “The Empress of Blues,” a title befitting her unparalleled talent and influence in the world of music. With her powerful voice and emotive delivery, she became one of the most celebrated vocalists of the 1900s.

In 1922, Smith signed a recording contract with Columbia Records, a groundbreaking achievement for Black musicians at the time. This marked the beginning of her rise to fame and success, as she became one of the highest-paid Black performers of her era. Throughout her career, she recorded numerous blues songs that showcased her exceptional vocal range and emotional depth.

Smith's unique vocal style had a profound impact on later jazz musicians, who drew inspiration from her expressive growls and soulful delivery. Despite facing challenges and discrimination as a Black woman in the music industry, Smith's talent and resilience shone through in her music, earning her a lasting legacy.

In addition to her musical contributions, Smith's personal life has also been a subject of interest and speculation. Rumored to be bisexual, she lived unapologetically and authentically, paving the way for future generations of LGBTQ+ artists. Her influence extended beyond her own time, as singers like Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin, and Janis Joplin cited her as a primary influence on their music.

Tragically, Smith's life was cut short in 1937 following complications from a car accident. Despite her untimely death, her impact on the music world continues to be felt to this day. Her story has been immortalized in various forms of media, including film, television, and books, ensuring that her legacy as a pioneering and influential musician lives on for generations to come.