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Inspiration September 19, 2017
"I don't want no drummer. I set the tempo."
Bessie Smith wasn’t just a singer. She was praised as the most popular female blues singer of the 1920s and 30s, she was nicknamed “Empress of the Blues.” Most importantly, she was the highest paid black performer of her time.
Smith was a force to be reckoned with. Even when the Great Depression took her singing career down along with the economy, she came back stronger than ever and continued to tour.
Bessie Smith never gave up on her dream no matter what life threw at her.
Since every woman needs a role model to inspire her to keep working beyond expectations, we gathered inspiring Bessie Smith quotes on her life to remind you to get back up when life knocks you down.
“No time to marry, no time to settle down; I’m a young woman, and I ain’t done runnin’ around.”
“There’s nineteen men livin’ in my neighborhood, eighteen of them are fools and the one ain’t no doggone good.”
“I ain’t good-lookin’, but I’m somebody’s angel child.”
“It’s a long old road, but I know I’m gonna find the end.”
“I don’t want no drummer. I set the tempo.”
“When my bed is empty, makes me feel awful mean and blue. My springs are getting rusty, living single like I do.”
Bessie Smith knew she didn’t need a man to complete her but she could also admit when being single felt too lonely. Most importantly, she knew to never settle. Smith influenced artists such as Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday and Janis Joplin. Her career and life influenced some of the greats, so her quotes should influence you to stop settling and strive for greatness.
