When you think of pioneering queer musicians, folks like Elton John, David Bowie, and Sylvester might come to mind. But think further back. Much further. Before we even had rock ’n’ roll to speak of, blues artists were defying expectations (and often the law) to sing about their same-sex affairs.

Among the stars of the 1920s and 1930s, Bessie Smith is one of a few female blues singers that discussed lesbianism in her music. Nicknamed “The Empress of the Blues,” Smith was known for her big voice, hit records and a bit for her scandalous affairs. It was said she took male and female lovers while on tour, particularly during her tumultuous marriage to Jack Glee. She allegedly barked at one of these female lovers, Lillian Simpson, “I got twelve women on this show, and I can have one every night if I want it.”

Of the 160 recordings she made for Columbia throughout her career, three of her songs were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for their historical significance, including “St. Louis Blues,” “Empty Bed Blues,” and her No. 1 hit “Downhearted Blues.” Her music included references to her tastes for both sexes, including the line in her 1930 track “The Boy In the Boat,” where she sings: “When you see two women walking hand in hand, just look ‘em over and try to understand: They’ll go to those parties—have the lights down low—only those parties where women can go.”

Get a bigger taste of Smith’s lasting legacy, AFTER THE JUMP …

Bessie Smith was born in Chattanooga, TN. After losing both of her parents, she began busking with her brother to earn money to support the family. From there, she became a dancer in a traveling performance troupe. She rose from chorus girl to recording artist to the highest paid black entertainer of her time.

Most of Smith’s legacy is confined to her legendary recordings, but there is one film appearance as well. She starred in St. Louis Blues, directed by Dudley Murphy. It’s notable for her performance of the film’s title track, which was accompanied by an orchestra and showcased Smith’s talents in an entirely new context.

Smith’s life on and off the stage has inspired a number of other artistic works. J.D. Salinger wrote a story called “Blue Melody” about her, while Edward Albee’s play, The Death of Bessie Smith focuses on the circumstances of the deadly car crash that took her life. Additionally, there’s Bessie’s Back In Town, which tells Smith’s story along with her music. See a clip from the show above.

Later this month, HBO will debut a new film, Bessie, starring Queen Latifah in the title role. The film doesn’t shy away from Smith’s sapphic affairs, creating a fictional character, Lucille (Tika Sumpter), as a composite of some of Smith’s female lovers. Bessie is directed by lesbian filmmaker Dee Rees, whose last feature film, Pariah, told the coming out story of an African-American teen girl.

Bessie will also focus on Smith’s mentor, Ma Rainey (portrayed by Mo’Nique in the film), who is among a handful of blues singers that also engaged in same-sex affairs. Others include Gladys Bentley, who often performed in a full tuxedo, and Ethel Waters.

Are you a fan of Bessie’s blues tunes?

The state-level push to ban gay conversion therapy continues to gain momentum in the wake of President Barack Obama’s watershed announcement that he supports outlawing the discredited practice. 

Last week, the New York State Assembly passed a ban on gay conversion therapy. And this week, an Oregon Senate committee voted 3-2 to advance a similar bill. The Statesman Journal reported on the the committee hearing:  

“When you are in conversion therapy, you are taught that you have a sickness, a pathology, and that you need a cure,” Portland resident Paul Southwick (above) said, choking back tears. “When the cure never comes, you are left even more anxious, hopeless and ashamed than when you started.” … 

Opponents say the state shouldn’t interfere in family and religious matters.

“If we force kids to live homosexually if they don’t want to, that puts them in harm’s way,” said Jayson Graves, head of the Colorado counseling organization Healing for the Soul, who says conversion therapy worked on him.

“We’re not celebrated in this culture. We don’t have television shows about us saying look how great it is to be ex-gay,” Graves told the committee.

The measure now moves to the full Senate. If it passes, Oregon would become only the fourth jurisdiction in the US to ban gay conversion therapy, after California, New Jersey and Washington, D.C. Similar bills have been introduced in at least 18 states, but have stalled in Colorado, Hawaii, Maryland and Virginia. 

Watch Southwick’s powerful testimony and the entire Oregon Senate committee hearing shortly after the 21:00 mark in the video, AFTER THE JUMP …(warning: autoplay)

While chatting with David Letterman on Late Night last night, Steve Martin reflected on some of his best comedic moments that took place while on Letterman’s show.

One of Martin’s favorites was a classic bit from 1998 called ‘Dave and Steve’s Gay Vacation’.

See the skit for yourself, AFTER THE JUMP…

A nightmare story out of Calgary, Canada that might make you think twice before renting out your home to strangers.

The Daily Mail  reports:

Mark and Star King rented out their property in Calgary, Canada, on popular website Airbnb and believed the holidaymakers would be four adults who were in town for a wedding.

But when they returned to their home, following concerned calls from neighbours, they were greeted with destroyed furniture, smashed glasses, used condoms and underwear strewn across the floor, barbecue sauce on the walls and every surface covered in rubbish. 

A “huge luxury bus” with some 100 people had reportedly made the Star family home the site of what police called a “drug-induced orgy.” Repair costs are estimated at around $60,000 but Airbnb has pledged to cover the cost of restoration under its Host Guarantee insurance, which covers damages up to $1 million. 

CBC reports:

“They’re going to send in crews in full masks, taped up in order to deal with the contents,” said Star King’s husband, Mark (pictured right).

He was also told that any garbage leaving the home must be treated for biohazardous material before it can be sent to the landfill.

The Kings have also met with a hazmat specialist, who be will tossing “everything soft” — couches, bedding, towels and sheets — because there is no way to identify the various bodily fluids the renters left behind. 

CBC adds police are still searching for the man who originally rented the house and may charge him with mischief to property over $5,000. 

See footage of the home’s destruction, AFTER THE JUMP…