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"The most devastating, provocative, and enlightening work of its kind ever contributed to the annals of jazz literature."--Leonard Feather,