Chamblee54

Today is the last Diva Thursday, at least for now. The cd this series is based on had 17 ladies, and today will feature the last four. There are lots of other lady singers, and Diva Thursday will be back.
Nouvelle Vague does not fit the pattern set by others. It is a French collective, and has a parade of singers.
Bessie Smith was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, either July 9, 1892 or April 15, 1894. She became a star of the TOBA (Theater Owners Booking Association, or Tough on Black Asses) vaudeville circuit.
Miss Smith made numerous appearances at the 81 Theater, at 81 Decatur Street, where Georgia State University stands today. Miss Smith was one of the first ladies to perform on “race records”.
Bessie Smith was in an auto accident September 26, 1937, between Memphis, Tennessee and Clarksdale, Mississippi. She died in Clarksdale. A story, now discredited, said that she was refused admission to a whites only hospital.
Gillian Howard Welch was born October 2, 1967 in New York City. She performs with her partner, David Rawlings. Miss Welch has avoided scandals and addictions, or has not gotten caught.
Patricia Lee “Patti” Smith was born December 30, 1946. She grew up in Deptford Township, New Jersey, which she escaped as soon as possible. Miss Smith was the gf of Robert Mapplethorpe, before she found out her plumbing did not fit his washing machine. Mr. Mapplethorpe took the picture on the cover of “Horses”.
Patti Smith was quite the sensation in the mid seventies. She fell off a stage and injured her neck January 23, 1977. This required her to take a year off, while punk rock was exploding in popularity. Patti returned to action in 1978, only to get married and retire from music. Patti Smith did return to performing, and now has her son Jackson in the band.