Bessie
Your Vote:
Be the first to rate.
6.6 IMDB Rating 5,690 Views

Bessie

The story of legendary blues performer Bessie Smith, who rose to fame during the 1920s and '30s.

Details

Bessie is a captivating biographical drama that delves into the extraordinary life of Bessie Smith, an iconic blues performer of the 1920s and '30s. This riveting film showcases her rise to fame, as well as the challenges she faced in a racially divided society.

Set against the backdrop of the Jim Crow era, Bessie highlights the immense talent and raw energy that made her one of the greatest blues singers of all time. Portrayed by the phenomenal Queen Latifah, Bessie's journey is brought to life with gripping authenticity and powerful performances.

The movie delves into Bessie's humble beginnings, her turbulent personal life, and her relentless pursuit of success in the music industry. It also explores her complicated relationships with lovers and fellow musicians, painting a multi-dimensional portrait of this influential woman.

With breathtaking cinematography and a rich soundtrack that perfectly captures the spirit of the blues, Bessie immerses viewers in the vibrant world of 1920s America. This thought-provoking film sheds light on the racial inequalities of the time while celebrating Bessie's indomitable spirit and immense contributions to music.

Bessie is a must-watch for music lovers and history enthusiasts alike, offering an inspiring and enlightening journey into the life of one of the most remarkable performers of the 20th century.

Also Known As:

Bessie

Release Date:

16 May 2015

Writers:

Dee Rees, Christopher Cleveland, Bettina Gilois

Awards:

Won 4 Primetime Emmys. 23 wins & 47 nominations total

People also search for

This is I 2026

Bullied for wanting to be an idol, Kenji finds belonging in a cabaret and help from a trailblazing doctor, emerging onstage as her true self, Ai Haruna.

Category: Biography, Drama, Music

Stars: Haruki Mochizuki, Tae Kimura, Seiji Chihara

466 Views
Matter of Time 2025

A string of Eddie Vedder solo concerts in Seattle in 2023 are the backdrop for the film, which chronicles efforts to find a cure for epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a rare genetic disease that can be lethal.

Category: Biography, Documentary, Drama, Music

Stars: Eddie Vedder

8.1 IMDB Rating 496 Views
Song Sung Blue 2025

Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act, experience soaring success and devastating heartbreak in their musical journey together.

Category: Biography, Drama, History, Music, Musical

Stars: Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, Ella Anderson

7.5 IMDB Rating 1,211 Views
Bolero 2024

Follows the boundary-pushing Rubinstein as she selects Maurice Ravel to compose the music for her next ballet. Ravel ends up creating his greatest success ever: Boléro.

Category: Biography, Drama, Music

Stars: Raphaël Personnaz, Doria Tillier, Jeanne Balibar

6.6 IMDB Rating 744 Views
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere 2025

Bruce Springsteen's journey crafting his 1982 album Nebraska, which emerged as he recorded Born in the USA with the E Street Band. Based on Warren Zanes' book.

Category: Biography, Drama, Music

Stars: Jeremy Allen White, Jeremy Strong, Paul Walter Hauser

6.9 IMDB Rating 1,444 Views
Roofman 2025

A charismatic criminal, while on the run from the police, hides in a hidden space of a toy store. There, he adopts a new identity and becomes involved with an employee, beginning a relationship as unlikely as it is risky.

Category: Biography, Crime, Drama, History, Music, romance, Romantic

Stars: Channing Tatum, Tony Revolori, Kirana Kuic

7.2 IMDB Rating 4,978 Views
Köln 75 2025

Vera Brandes, who, in 1975 and at the age of 18, staged the famous Köln Concert by jazz musician Keith Jarrett.

Category: Biography, Drama, Music

Stars: Mala Emde, John Magaro, Alexander Scheer

7.3 IMDB Rating 597 Views
Blue Moon 2025

Tells the story of Lorenz Hart's struggles with alcoholism and mental health as he tries to save face during the opening of "Oklahoma!".

Category: Biography, Comedy, Drama, History, Music, romance, Romantic

Stars: Ethan Hawke, Margaret Qualley, Bobby Cannavale

7.3 IMDB Rating 1,935 Views
Taking Woodstock 2009

A man working at his parents' motel in the Catskills inadvertently sets in motion the generation-defining concert in the summer of 1969.

Category: Biography, Comedy, Drama, History, Music

Stars: Demetri Martin, Henry Goodman, Edward Hibbert

6.7 IMDB Rating 1,820 Views
Low Down 2014

A look at the life of pianist Joe Albany from the perspective of his young daughter, as she watches him contend with his drug addiction during the 1970s jazz scene.

Category: Biography, Drama, Music

Stars: John Hawkes, Elle Fanning, Glenn Close

6.1 IMDB Rating 950 Views