Need a Little Sugar in My Bowl

The song was first recorded by Bessie Smith in November 1931 in New York City. It was released by Columbia Records as disc 14634-D. It was written by Clarence Williams, J. Tim Brymn, and Dally Small. Williams also accompanied Smith on piano.[1] The song was Smith's final recording under her contract with Columbia.[2] The song initially employs innuendo and metaphor, but eventually becomes relatively overt in its sexual implications.

The song has been re-issued on multiple vinyl and compact disc editions, including "Bessie Smith: The Greatest Blues Singer" (1970),[3] "The Complete Recordings, Vol. 5: The Final Chapter" (1996),[4] "The Essential Bessie Smith" (1997),[5] "Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues: Bessie Smith" (2003),[6] "Empress of the Blues, Vol, 2: 1926–1933" (2008),[7] and "The Complete Columbia Recordings" (2012).[8]

Nina Simone released "I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl" on her 1967 album, Nina Simone Sings the Blues.[9] While not a cover, it references some of the original lyrics,[9] and has been described as "a first-person representation of empowered female sexuality."[10]

The song has been covered by many performers, including Thelma Houston,[11] Hadda Brooks,[12] Gaye Adegbalola,[13] Helen Schneider,[14] Rory Block,[15] Sandra Reaves,[16] and Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers.[17]

In 2010, the song was also included in a "nearly show-stealing performance" by E. Faye Butler as part of a ballet interpretation of The Great Gatsby, staged at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.[18] The song was also included in the stage production, "The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Besse Smith".[19]