Fred Sokolow: The Music of Bessie Smith

Blues guitarist Fred Sokolow hosts this instructional program that teaches viewers how to play several tunes in the style of "blues empress" Bessie Smith - a legendary performer who influenced everyone from Eric Clapton to Chet Atkins to Sam Cooke. Selections include: "St. Louis Blues," "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out," "Backwater Blues," "After You've Gone," "I Ain't Got Nobody" and "Send Me to the Electric Chair." The lesson concludes with a vintage performance film of Bessie Smith singing "St. Louis Blues."