Tonight, HBO is bringing the Empress of Blues, Bessie Smith to life! Smith, played by Dana “Queen Latifah” Owens, studied under the Mother of Blues, Ma Rainey, played by Mo’nique. Queen Latifah has been waiting in the wings for 20 years to play this role and “Matron Mama” is thrilled to show you what she’s done. We knew this Queen had pipes when she graced the screen in the film version of Chicago and then again in Hairspray, but this being a little more jazz & blues helps bring Latifah into a dimension she seem very comfortable with.
Legendary playwright August Wilson introduced many to the rich cultured voice that Ma Rainey possessed through his play Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Fun fact: Actor Charles Dutton who made his Broadway Debut in August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is in this film as well.
It is a joy to see that these two women, Gertrude “Ma Rainey” Pridgett and Bessie Smith, will be on the HBO MainStage. Bessie was a legend in her own right, openly bi-sexual she took risks in her music and in her personal life. During the 1920’s folks were jailed and tortured for same-sex relationships. This bio-pic directed by Dee Rees (Pariah) engages us to see a woman who’s life was full of disparagement and valleys yet she overcame so much and broke down barriers. From the reviews out there, critics seem to love the chemistry on screen between Monique and Owens. Our stories, our voices are important. I will be glued to the screen for Bessie will you?
Here is synopsis about Bessie and some cool videos from HBO to get you ready:
Queen Latifah stars as legendary blues singer Bessie Smith in this HBO Films presentation, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Dee Rees from a screenplay by Dee Rees and Christopher Cleveland & Bettina Gilois. With a story by Dee Rees and Horton Foote, the film focuses on Smith’s transformation from a struggling young singer into “The Empress of the Blues,” who became one of the most successful recording artists of the 1920s and is an enduring icon today. BESSIE also stars Michael Kenneth Williams, Khandi Alexander, Mike Epps, Tika Sumpter, Tory Kittles, Oliver Platt, Bryan Greenberg, with Charles S. Dutton and Mo’Nique. Executive produced by Queen Latifah, Shakim Compere, Lili Fini Zanuck, Richard D. Zanuck, Shelby Stone, and Randi Michel. Ron Schmidt produces.
