http://worldcat.org/entity/work/id/349173532

What Stalin knew : the enigma of Barbarossa

This book - a revised and expanded edition of the definitive biography of Bessie Smith, known as the "Empress of the Blues" - debunks many of the myths that circulated after her untimely death in 1937. For this new edition, Chris Albertson provides more details of Bessie's early years, new interview material, and a chapter devoted to events and responses that followed the original publication. "Seeking justice for Bessie has been a life's work for Albertson, and this reissue is greatly to be welcomed ...an exemplary biography" John Mole, Times Literary Supplement "The first estimable full-length biography not only of Bessie Smith but of any black musician." Whitney Balliett, New Yorker (on the first edition) "A remarkably clear-eyed examination of Smith's personality (and sexuality) and, more important, of the gritty and greedy music business." Benjamin Schwarz, Atlantic Monthly.

Open All Close All