Bessie Smith sings Down Hearted Blues. Recorded in 1923. 

Bessie Smith is widely regarded as the greatest blues singer of her time. She influenced many greats ranging from Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Dinah Washington to Janis Joplin. Her life was tragically cut short in an automobile accident in 1937. Some of her recordings have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. In addition, she has been inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of fame, the Blues hall of fame, and the Big Band and Jazz hall of fame. Many of her songs continue to be covered to this very day.