Bessie Smith - Essential Music Business Lessons

Dripp
Feb 4
6 min read

"I don't want no drummer. I set the tempo."

In the Essential Music Business Lessons series, we’re all about helping artists make informed decisions that protect their creativity, finances, and legacy. One of the biggest challenges in the music industry—both in Bessie Smith’s time and today—is ensuring fair compensation and ownership of your work.

As one of the first major Black recording artists, Bessie Smith generated millions for Columbia Records, yet she had little control over her masters and was paid far less than white artists with similar success. Her struggles highlight the ongoing issues of ownership, fair contracts, and financial security that many musicians still face.

In this post, we’ll explore the hard-earned lessons from Bessie Smith’s career, from negotiating fair pay to building financial independence, and what today’s artists can learn from her fight for control in a segregated industry. Let’s dive in!

From Poverty to the Queen of the Blues

Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1894, Bessie Smith overcame extreme poverty and personal loss to become one of the most influential voices in blues history. She started as a street performer before securing a recording contract with Columbia Records in 1923. Her debut single, Downhearted Blues, sold over 780,000 copies in just six months, making her an instant sensation.

Despite her massive success, Smith had to fight for fair compensation. As a Black woman in the early 20th-century music industry, she was paid far less than white artists generating similar (or even smaller) sales. Columbia Records heavily profited from her recordings but did not afford her the long-term financial stability her talent deserved.

Fighting for Ownership in a Segregated Industry

Bessie Smith was one of the first Black artists to achieve crossover success, yet the industry still treated her as disposable. While she generated millions for Columbia Records, she did not own her masters, and much of her wealth was controlled by white managers and executives. Like many Black artists of her time, she was part of the exploitative "race records" system, where Black musicians' work was marketed separately and often sold for less than music by white artists. This system allowed record labels to profit immensely from Black talent while limiting their financial independence and long-term security.

Smith’s situation was not unique. Blues pioneers like Ma Rainey and later R&B artists like Ruth Brown also struggled under unfair contracts that left them with little to no royalties despite their massive contributions to American music. These artists laid the foundation for popular genres but were rarely compensated in proportion to their impact.

Additionally, segregation in the music industry meant that Black artists were often denied opportunities to perform in mainstream venues or sign deals with major labels on equal terms with white artists. Even as one of the most successful musicians of the 1920s, Smith had limited access to the same financial and promotional benefits that her white counterparts enjoyed. This lack of ownership and systemic financial exploitation meant that when the Great Depression hit and record sales plummeted, Smith had little financial security to fall back on.

Her career teaches a critical lesson—artists must understand and negotiate their contracts carefully. Even today, artists from marginalized backgrounds often face structural inequities that limit ownership and long-term financial security. The fight for masters and publishing rights is still ongoing, as seen in modern battles by artists like Taylor Swift and Prince, who both made public stands against the loss of control over their work. Smith’s struggles serve as an early warning of the dangers of signing away ownership without legal protection, a lesson that remains essential for today’s musicians.

Touring and Survival in a Dangerous Era

Touring is one of the most physically and emotionally demanding aspects of an artist's career, and for Bessie Smith, it was even more so. The challenges she faced extended beyond long travel hours and financial instability; they also affected her mental and physical well-being. Performing night after night with little rest, constantly moving between cities, and dealing with the stress of racial discrimination took a toll on her body and spirit.

Beyond the financial importance of touring, Smith had to navigate a deeply segregated country, often facing threats to her safety. She relied on Black-owned establishments listed in The Green Book for lodging and safe passage, as many hotels refused to accommodate Black performers. The stress of constantly having to assess her surroundings and ensure her team’s safety added an extra burden to the already grueling schedule of a touring musician.

Wellness, in both body and mind, was often neglected in favor of keeping up with performance demands. The combination of physical exhaustion, racial tension, and industry exploitation led Smith to develop coping mechanisms such as heavy drinking, which later contributed to personal and financial struggles.

Her story reminds artists that success should never come at the cost of their well-being. Proper rest, nutrition, and mental health care are just as important as financial planning. Today’s artists have more resources available, from wellness programs to mental health initiatives, but the pressure to constantly perform and produce remains high. By setting boundaries, listening to their bodies, and planning for sustainable careers, modern musicians can avoid the burnout that plagued so many before them, including Smith.

The Tragic End and Industry Neglect

By the late 1920s, as the Great Depression hit, record sales plummeted, and Columbia dropped Bessie Smith from its roster. Despite this, she continued touring and recording independently, proving that she was still in high demand. However, without label backing, her financial struggles worsened.

In 1937, Bessie Smith was critically injured in a car accident in Mississippi. A widely circulated (though later disproven) myth suggested that she was denied hospital care because she was Black, reinforcing the racial injustices of the time. Regardless, her death at just 43 years old marked the loss of one of the greatest voices in blues.

Despite her impact, Bessie Smith's legacy was largely overlooked for decades. It wasn’t until 1970 that she received a proper headstone—paid for by Janis Joplin and Juanita Green, a woman Smith had mentored as a child.

This lack of posthumous recognition highlights an ongoing issue—Black artists have historically been exploited for their talents without receiving the respect, royalties, and recognition they deserve.

Essential Music Business Lessons

Know Your Worth and Fight for Fair Pay

Bessie Smith was a best-selling artist, yet she was underpaid compared to white entertainers. Understanding contracts, negotiating fair terms, and knowing your value are crucial for long-term financial stability.

Ownership Matters

Smith didn’t own her masters, meaning she had little control over her recordings. Artists today should prioritize securing rights to their work whenever possible to ensure lasting financial benefits.

Touring is Lucrative but Demanding

Like Smith, many artists rely on live performances for income, but touring can take a toll. Budget wisely, maintain your health, and build multiple revenue streams to ensure sustainability.

Industry Recognition is Often Delayed—Build Your Legacy

Smith’s contributions were overlooked for decades, reflecting how the industry often neglects Black artists. Take control of your narrative, document your work, and ensure that your legacy is preserved.

Final Thoughts

Bessie Smith’s career is a testament to both the power and pitfalls of the music industry. Her voice helped define blues and shape modern music, yet she faced financial exploitation, racism, and a lack of industry recognition. Her journey reminds us that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about ownership, financial literacy, and resilience.

Her struggles are still relevant today. Whether it’s artists fighting for their masters, advocating for fair pay, or navigating the complexities of streaming and touring, Bessie Smith’s story serves as both inspiration and a cautionary tale.

By learning from her experiences, today’s artists can build careers that honor their artistry while securing their financial and creative independence.

What’s the biggest lesson from Bessie Smith’s story that resonates with you? Share your thoughts below.