Bessie

In the poignant and powerful 2015 HBO TV film "Bessie," Queen Latifah stars as Bessie Smith, a young singer from Chattanooga, Tennessee who rises to fame during the 1920s and '30s with her raw talent and captivating stage presence. As she navigates the challenges of the vaudeville circuit and the tumultuous world of early blues music, Bessie must confront racism, sexism, and personal heartache, all while chasing her dreams of stardom and leaving a lasting legacy as "The Empress of the Blues."