Bessie Smith - The Collection

While there's no denying the importance and quality of Columbia/Legacy's Complete Recordings series, nine discs may seem a bit intimidating to the newcomer. Collection, a mid-priced, 16-track collection which spans most of Smith's career, ultimately does a better service to the casual listener with a limited budget. This is probably the best introduction -- undoubtedly many will seek out the more comprehensive packages afterward. ~ Chris Woodstra, All Music Guide

Name Credits Benny Goodman Clarinet Bessie Smith Vocals Billy Taylor, Sr. Bass, String Bass Bob Johnson Guitar Bobby Johnson Guitar Buck Washington Piano Buster Bailey Clarinet Charlie Dixon Banjo Charlie Green Trombone Chris Albertson Liner Notes Chu Berry Sax (Tenor) Clarence Williams Piano Coleman Hawkins Clarinet Cyrus St. Clair Tuba Ed Allen Cornet Fletcher Henderson Piano Frank Walker Producer Frankie Newton Trumpet Fred Longshaw Organ, Piano Garvin Bushell Sax (Alto) George Baquet Clarinet Greely Walton Sax (Tenor) Jack Teagarden Trombone Jimmy Harrison Trombone Jimmy Jones Piano Joe "Fox" Smith Cornet John Hammond, Sr. Producer Lincoln Conaway Guitar Louis Armstrong Cornet Porter Gainger Piano Porter Grainger Piano Steve Stevens Piano