Bessie Smith (1892 - 1937) was a rough, crude, violent woman. She was also the greatest of the classic Blues singers of the 1920s. Bessie started out as a street .brBessie Smith (April 15, 1894 -- September 26, 1937) was an American blues singer. Sometimes referred to as The Empress of the Blues, Smith was the most .brBessie Smith - After Youve Gone Lyrics Now listen honey while Im saying How can you tell me that youre going away? Dont say that we must part Dont break .brbessie smith. amazing song.