Chicago Defender
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow
- Langston Hughes
Monday, 10.2.1920
The Empress of Blues
Achievements and accomplishments ' DURING THE hARLEM RENAISSANCE
Bessie Smith was an African- American blues singer who eventually became nicknamed the "Empress of Blues", for her strong and powerful voice. With the ability to capture and bring joy to everyone, she soon became one of the highest paid black performers of her time. Bessie started singing at a very young age, after her mother died she began performing on the streets while her brother accompanied her. In 1923 she signed a record deal with Colombia Records. Soon after she would go onto release many famous numbers such as Thinkin blues, St. Louis Gal, Gulf Coast Blues etc...
She worked with many famous artists, such as Fletcher Henderson, James P Johnson and the extraordinary Louis Armstrong.
Countee Cullen was one of the most representative voices of the Harlem Renaissance. He was famous for his poetry, novels and children s books.