2-CD set. As a title, Bessie Smith's Greatest Hits may be a misnomer of sorts. Her Recording career which lasted from 1923 to 1933 was in an era in which a 'hit record' did not meet the criteria of conventional 'top ten' hit as we accept it today. There are many CDs of Bessie's recordings available but this is the first we think to concentrate purely on her 49 most popular recordings Bessie Smith was one of the most influential recording artists in History. These recordings made between 70 and 80 years ago display a power and intensity undiminished by time and still inspire vocalists the world over. Flob. 2005.