Last year I did an interview with "Woman's Hour," the venerable BBC Radio 4 program devoted to women and women's issues. They do a series on women in music and this program featured Mamie Smith, one of the earliest blueswomen.
You'll need RealPlayer to hear it, which can be downloaded for free here.

I've got to tread carefully here, first because I like and respect this writer. Second, because my own ridiculous name is Buzzy Jackson. But seriously: MERCEDES BUNZ?!?!
Best name ever. For a drag queen. Or a rapper. Or, in this case, as the Technology reporter for The Guardian (UK).
Do I need to mention she's from Berlin? Mercedes, I'm yours.