Singer actress Queen Latifah confesses she has never heard of 1920s blues and jazz singer Bessie Smith when the role for the said HBO film was given to her about 22 years ago. Seven soundtracks for Bessie meanwhile are already available, which Queen Latifah has recorded.
22 YEARS IN THE MAKING
In a casual conversation of Queen Latifah with Taraji Henson for Variety who brings Bessie and Cookie (Fox's Empire) to life respectively, Queen Latifah shares that when the project was brought up to her when she was yet 22 years old, she did not know who Bessie Smith was. Being a musician and a jazz lover herself, Queen Latifah says she still had to do some research on the legendary singer. Queen Latifah admitted that the first time she heard Bessie's incredible voice, she felt scared in a way that she felt she had to live up to other people's expectations. She adds that she felt a story in Bessie's voice.
"She has a powerful voice, she has a painful voice, an uplifting voice. She sounds super clear on this record - and completely drunk. You could tell she partied," she said.
Queen Latifah was amazed by Bessie's life that she felt her story should be told. The project was that big that they had to do many scripts, change directors and studios until HBO approved of it.
MUSICAL CELEBRATION
Meanwhile, the rapper/singer/actress has sung seven of Bessie Smith's songs which were all revived with a modern twist. Broadway World reports one of them is Gimme A Bigfoot and a bottle of Beer which features both the voices of the two artists.
According to HBO, Bessie revolves around the story of Bessie Smith's transformation as a young singer to being regarded as "The Empress of the Blues" and a present music icon.
Bessie debuted in the U.S. last May 16 on HBO and will also be available in other countries soon.
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