Few people have probably even heard of of the artist who provides the third and final instalment in our Saturday Jukebox triptych exploring the evolution of musical influence. Born Lucille Bogan, Bessie Jackson was one of the first recorded American blues singers of the 1930s to be recorded.

Bogan/Jackson was a trailblazer in pushing musical envelopes before it was even clear what envelopes were being pushed. A strong female African American voice at a time when both sexism and racism were still predominant societal norms, Bogan/Jackson was also known for her sexual exploits with other women and thinly veiled lyrical references.

This rendition of Shave 'Em Dry from 1935 is particularly replete with musing that would make even a contemproary audience squirm. While the musical influence between Bogan/Jackson and Queen/Mercury is perhaps a bit more strained, the impetus towards challenging biases and presenting alternative narratives in popular music owes much of its roots to blues singers of Bogan's ilk.

Thus ends of exporation of the evolution of musical influence stetching back more than 70 years. I hope you enjoyed the experiment and got to appreciate some great music in the process.