Bessie Smith and Down Hearted Blues: History Quiz

Ten Library of Congress-sourced questions on Bessie Smith, her 1923 recording and the people behind the song.

Choose one answer per question. There’s no timer. You can skip a question; unanswered questions count as incorrect.

QUESTION 01Which singer became known as the Empress of the Blues?

Bessie SmithLovie AustinAlberta HunterBillie Holiday

QUESTION 02In what year did Bessie Smith record Down Hearted Blues?

1905192319481965

QUESTION 03Which record label released the famous Bessie Smith recording of Down Hearted Blues?

MotownSun RecordsColumbiaAtlantic Records

QUESTION 04Who supplied the lyrics to Down Hearted Blues?

Ma RaineyDuke EllingtonScott JoplinAlberta Hunter

QUESTION 05Who is credited as composer of Down Hearted Blues in the Library of Congress catalog?

Lovie AustinBessie SmithAretha FranklinEthel Waters

QUESTION 06Who accompanied Bessie Smith on piano for the 1923 recording?

John ColtraneClarence WilliamsCount BasieLouis Armstrong

QUESTION 07Where was the Library of Congress documented 1923 recording session held?

NashvilleChicagoNew York CityLos Angeles

QUESTION 08In which year did Down Hearted Blues enter the National Recording Registry?

1923193719852002

QUESTION 09What instrument accompanies Smith on the Library of Congress recording entry?

PianoElectric guitarSaxophone quartetHammond organ

QUESTION 10Which Tennessee city is recorded as Bessie Smith’s birthplace?

MemphisChattanoogaKnoxvilleNashville

Keep your curiosity going.