Bessie Smith, the iconic "Empress of the Blues," passed away on September 26, 1937, at the age of 45, following a tragic car accident in Mississippi. Renowned for her powerful voice and groundbreaking contributions to blues and jazz music, Smith was a trailblazer who challenged social norms and became the highest-paid black entertainer of her era. Her legacy as one of the greatest singers and an influential figure in American music endures.