We reminisce on 15 amazing biopics that told the stories of prominent figures in Black culture, and also 5 that were practically panned just in case future directors need an example of what not to do.
Bessie Smith owned one of the most powerful voices in music, earning her the nickname “Empress of the Blues.” Smith was born on April 15, 1894 in Chattanooga, Tenn. As a young girl, Smith and her brother Andrew performed in the streets of Chattanooga to earn money for the family. She later joined her older […]
Last weekend, HBO debuted, Bessie a new biographical drama focused on the life of blues legend Bessie Smith, starring Queen Latifah in the title role. While much of the film detailed Smith’s rise to becoming the “Empress of the Blues,” it also highlighted an important mentor – the “Mother of the Blues,” Ma Rainey played […]
HBO's Lucinda Martinez talks about Solange and Janelle Monae's surprise music tour and why we're celebrating Bessie Smith's work today.
Queen Latifah has done it all — from music to TV to film. She’s a well-rounded entertainer who has taken on the role of iconic Bessie Smith in HBO’s Bessie. She opened up to Uptown Magazine about getting naked onscreen for the first time and talked with the publication about Smith’s sexuality and its significance. […]
America is about to see a whole lot of the Queen. In a new interview with Uptown magazine, Queen Latifah reveals that she strips down for a…
Mark those calendars for Sunday, May 16, because you’re going to want to witness why Queen Latifah just might score an Emmy nod for her…
Mark those calendars for Sunday, May 16, because you’re going to want to witness why Queen Latifah just might score an Emmy nod for her…
HBO has finally set a date for its Bessie Smith biopic starring Queen Latifah. The film, which follows America’s “Empress of the Blues” from her beginning in abject poverty to becoming one of the biggest recording artists of the 1920s, will premiere on May 16, the network announced Tuesday. Smith died after a car accident in […]
Journalists got a first look at Queen Latifah as Bessie Smith in director Dee Rees’ (pictured) HBO biopic this week, and based on the effusive reaction in the room via Twitter – to the sizzle reel alone – it may very will be the most anticipated telefilm of the spring. The film follows Smith’s journey from a […]
While the HBO biopic still doesn’t have a release date, the network has let loose the first pictures of Queen Latifah as iconic Blues singer Bessie Smith in a small-screen…
HBO released a cast list and other details on its upcoming film Bessie a biopic of blues legend Bessie Smith with Queen Latifah in the title role and it includes a host of popular Black acting talents. The singer, rapper and daytime talk show host will also executive produce the project, which originates from HBO […]
