Bessie Taylor Gwynn taught him to believe he could be a poet or a writer.

VOA: special.2009.11.01

They include Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington,Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday,Lionel Hampton and Herbie Hancock.

VOA: special.2009.04.17

Bessie Taylor Gwynn made sure that Carl finished high school.

VOA: special.2009.11.01

She heard Bessie Smith sing the blues.

VOA: special.2010.02.28

Her passion for the blues began at home, where she listened to records by Muddy Waters, Bessie Smith and Memphis Minnie on the radio.

VOA: standard.2009.06.18