Entertainment

The Queen of Female MCs Stars as the Empress of The Blues: Queen Latifah Plays Legendary Blues Singer, Bessie Smith, in Upcoming HBO Biopic

By Jordan Willard | April 30, 2015 0 Comments

source: people.com

“The blues is not people knowing you, it’s about you knowing people.”
– From Bessie, as articulated by Ma Rainey, played by actress Mo’Nique

source: impawards.com, HBO

Bessie: Trailer (HBO Films)

source: youtube.com, channel: HBO

Twenty-two years after it’s original conception, the highly anticipated biopic about music legend, Bessie Smith, is set to debut Saturday, May 16th, on HBO! Entitled Bessie, the film was written by Dee Rees and Horton Foote, directed by Dee Rees, and produced by Ron Schmidt. The actress honored with the title role as the Empress of the Blues, is none other than Queen Latifah. This choice of actress couldn’t be more perfect, not only because she has proven time and time again that she is a gifted, multi-talented performer, but her own professional journey and personal experiences are an excellent emotional source to tap into, as a means to create an honest portrayal of the complex depths of Bessie’s character, ultimately doing proper justice to Bessie’s vibrant, unique spirit. During the Television Critics Association Press Conference, Queen Latifah discussed her role in Bessie, and why she had initially passed on the role when it was first offered to her twenty-two years ago. She states, “When the project came my way, I don’t think I had the life journey that went along with it. I got to live more of the blues.”

In an interview with HBO, Queen Latifah eloquently articulates her take on her role as Bessie, and also provides insight to the woman Bessie Smith really was in life.

Bessie Character Spot: Queen Latifah “Bessie” (HBO Films)

source: youtube.com, channel: HBO

The film follows the life and career of Bessie Smith, however Bessie is not your average biopic, because Bessie Smith was not your average woman. She skyrocketed to fame during an era in American History that African American women were the marginalized of the marginalized, but she consistently stuck to her guns, pursuing her desires, in spite of whatever potential consequences were looming on the horizon. Bessie was a rebellious risk taker, never allowing fear to hinder her self-expression, and her consistent willingness to remain open and vulnerable contributed to her intoxicating appeal as a performer. Though this quality sometimes proved to be a double-edged sword in her personal life, setting her up to experience a series of disappointments and tragedies, her ability to preserve over these hardships is what allowed her to cultivate the strength of character she is remembered for today. Without even realizing it, Bessie Smith became a inspirational trailblazer; her vibrant spirit and lust for life ultimately allowed her to revolutionize American culture creatively, as well as socially, during the 1920s and 1930s, all because of her conscious decisions to live life to the fullest.

source: autostraddle.com

The film’s star studded supporting cast also includes Michael Kenneth Williams as Bessie Smith’s first husband, Tika Sumpter and Bessie Smith’s romantic love interest, Lucille, Mike Epps as another love interest of Bessie’s, and Mo’Nique as Bessie’s mentor figure, Ma Rainey.

You definitely do not want to miss out on the premiere of Bessie, so be sure to tune in to HBO, Saturday, May 16, 2015, at 8pm to watch this incredible ensemble tells the story of legendary jazz and blues singer, Bessie Smith.

Can’t wait until the May 16th premiere to Bessie? You can check out some of Bessie Smith’s music, right here.

Bessie Smith Sing’s “Nobody Knows When You are Down and Out” (1929)

source: youtube.com, user: RagtimeDorianHenry