Public Art Unveiled in Honor of Bessie Smith and Blue Goose Hollow
A tribute to Bessie Smith and Blue Goose Hollow
Public Art Chattanooga, in collaboration with the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, unveiled a new public art installation on June 28th, 2024, in honor of legendary blues singer Bessie Smith and her childhood home, the largely African American neighborhood of Blue Goose Hollow, which fell victim to urban renewal in the 1950s. This artistic endeavor, entitled “Unearthing Boldness”, is a striking embodiment of the tribute that hometown Chattanooga wishes to pay to one of its most famous daughters and the rich cultural history of a neighborhood that no longer exists.
About the commemorative sculpture
Rondell Crier, a local artist of repute, designed the sculpture, serving as a focal point of the Blue Goose Hollow Artistic Trailhead Marker Project. This initiative aims to honor and celebrate Chattanooga’s Black history, as seen through the undying legacy of the “Empress of the Blues,” Bessie Smith. Crier elaborated on the meaning behind his creation, saying, “This artistic marker is symbolic of strength, joy, and resilience. It is crafted to encapsulate the boldness of Bessie’s ancestry and the lineage of all people who have been displaced from this land.”
Visiting the artistic marker
The sculpture is located at the Blue Goose Hollow Trailhead at 935 Riverfront Pkwy, a fitting home for the public art installation that enriches Chattanooga’s art and cultural landscape. For those interested in absorbing a piece of musical and African American history of Chattanooga, the installation is open to the public for viewing.
Historical Importance of Bessie Smith and Blue Goose Hollow
Blue Goose Hollow, now long lost to urban development, was the predominantly Black neighborhood where Bessie Smith, the hailed Empress of the Blues, was brought up. Smith is celebrated for her powerful vocal abilities and charismatic performances, carving out a remarkable career during the Jazz Age. Her often heart-wrenching lyrics narrated stories of love, loss, and everyday struggles, making her a beloved figure in blues music. She played a monumental role in shaping the genre and opened doors for future African American artists.
The demography and culture of Blue Goose Hollow significantly influenced Bessie Smith’s music, making her a prominent figure in showcasing Black culture and experiences through her songs. The neighborhood witnessed a tragic demise in the mid-twentieth-century when it was razed to make way for urban development. However, locals still carry the memories of a tight-knit, vibrant community that once thrived there.
About the unveiling of the artistic marker
The decision to unveil the new public sculpture is a significant step to commemorate Chattanooga’s Black history and its contributions to American music and culture. The Blue Goose Hollow Artistic Trailhead Marker Project initiative marks a sincere effort in this regard, shedding light on an overlooked aspect of the city’s past, thus enhancing the local community’s connection with their city’s heritage. HERE News commemorates this celebratory moment of remembering and honoring the rich history of Bessie Smith and Blue Goose Hollow.
