Watch Queen Latifah In the ‘Bessie’ Trailer [VIDEO]

The trailer for HBO’s Bessie, starring Queen Latifah (real name Dana Elaine Owens) has been released. The film focuses on legendary blues singer Bessie Smith.

Nicknamed The Empress of the Blues, Smith was the most popular female blues singer of the 1920s and 1930s. She is often regarded as one of the greatest singers of her era and, along with Louis Armstrong, a major influence on other jazz vocalists.

The film is directed by Dee Rees and also stars Mo’Nique, Bryan Greenberg, Michael K. Williams, Khandi Alexander, Tory Kittles, Mike Epps, Oliver Platt and Charles S. Dutton.

[WATCH THE TEASER ON THE NEXT PAGE.]