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.
The film features Queen Latifah, Michael Kenneth Williams, Khandi Alexander, Mike Epps, Tory Kittles, Tika Sumpter, , Oliver Platt, Bryan Greenberg, Charles S. Dutton and Mo’NIque
In anticipation of the HBO film, “Bessie,” chronicling the life of legendary blues singer Bessie Smith, HBO announces the launch of ‘Bessie’s 81 Theatre Tour’ on April 28. Kicking off in New York City, the two-city event series will coincide with the Manhattan red carpet premiere of the film, which stars Oscar® nominee Queen Latifah as Smith. The film also stars Michael Kenneth Williams, Khandi Alexander, Mike Epps, Tory Kittles, Tika Sumpter, Charles S. Dutton, Oscar® winner Mo’Nique and more. The tour will conclude in Los Angeles in May leading up to the on air premiere on May 16th.
