The city of Chattanooga partnered with HBO Films to bring a special screening of the movie “Bessie” to her birthplace and to celebrate the life and legacy of one of the city's most famous natives.
Tickets are sold out for this free showing, but there will be a reception at the Tivoli prior to the screening, complete with cars from the 1920s and ‘30s, Bessie songs and live music. A local vintage photographer will be taking photos.
The reception begins at 5 p.m. and the film at 6 p.m.
Review for Bessie:
Nicknamed “The Empress of the Blues,” Bessie Smith was the most popular female blues singer of the 1920s and 1930s. She is often regarded as one of the greatest singers of her era and, along with Louis Armstrong, a major influence on other jazz vocalists. Born here in Chattanooga, Smith went on to become a worldwide music sensation and an icon of American arts and culture.
Queen Latifah stars as legendary blues singer Bessie Smith in this HBO Films presentation, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Dee Rees from a screenplay by Dee Rees and Christopher Cleveland and Bettina Gilois. With a story by Dee Rees and Horton Foote, the film focuses on Smith’s transformation from a struggling young singer into “The Empress of the Blues,” who became one of the most successful recording artists of the 1920s and is an enduring icon today.
Beyond Bessie’s roots, there is another Chattanooga connection in the HBO film. Bralyn Stokes, who is a Chattanooga native, plays record producer Harry Pace. BESSIE also stars Michael Kenneth Williams, Khandi Alexander, Mike Epps, Tika Sumpter, Tory Kittles, Oliver Platt, Bryan Greenberg, with Charles S. Dutton and Mo’Nique. Executive produced by Queen Latifah, Shakim Compere, Lili Fini Zanuck, Richard D. Zanuck, Shelby Stone, and Randi Michel. Ron Schmidt produces. The movie is rated TV MA.