Bessie Smith is a blues legend who lived and performed in the 1920s and 1930s. She was known for her strong and expressive voice, her emotional delivery, and her ability to convey raw pain and suffering through her music. If you want to learn how to sing like Bessie Smith, there are a few key techniques and resources that can help you get started.

One of the most important things to focus on when learning to sing like Bessie Smith is your vocal tone. Bessie had a very rich and powerful sound, with a lot of depth and resonance. To achieve this kind of tone, you'll want to focus on breathing from your diaphragm, keeping your throat relaxed and open, and using proper posture to support your sound. You can learn more about these techniques in Singing Carrots' articles on breathing basics and posture.

Another important aspect of singing like Bessie is to be able to convey a lot of emotion through your voice. Bessie was known for her ability to capture the pain and suffering of the blues and make it come alive in her performances. To achieve this kind of emotional intensity, you'll need to work on your phrasing, your dynamics, and your ability to connect with the lyrics of the songs you're singing. You can find helpful tips and exercises in Singing Carrots' articles on singing with emotion, articulation, and resonance in singing.

In terms of specific songs to study, Bessie had a vast repertoire of classic blues tunes, such as "Downhearted Blues", "Backwater Blues," and "St. Louis Blues," to name just a few. These songs showcase Bessie's unique vocal style and allow you to practice your phrasing, dynamics, and emotional range. You can search for songs that match your vocal range and preference on Singing Carrots' song-search page.

Finally, Singing Carrots offers a variety of tools to help you improve your singing skills and track your progress. The Vocal Range Test, Pitch Accuracy Test, and Vocal Pitch Monitor can all help you build your technical skills and improve your tone and accuracy. The Pitch Training game offers a fun and interactive way to practice your pitch and range, while the Singing Course provides a comprehensive guide to singing theory and technique.

By working on these techniques and using these resources, you can begin to develop the skills and style necessary to sing like Bessie Smith. Happy singing!