Final answer:
The answer is True, Bessie Smith's "St. Louis Blues" utilizes the Blues element. She was a renowned figure of the genre and contributed significantly to the prominence of Blues during the early 20th century.
Step-by-step explanation:
The music example "St. Louis Blues" sung by Bessie Smith indeed uses the element of Blues, so the answer to the question is True. Bessie Smith was celebrated for her powerful vocal performances in the genre, earning her the title of "The Empress of the Blues". "St. Louis Blues", which saw her collaborate with jazz legend Louis Armstrong, is a classic testament to her Blues style.
Blues music, which evolved from African-American spirituals, became prominent during the Harlem Renaissance, a time of significant growth for African-American arts. Bessie Smith's music, along with other Blues and jazz influences, played an integral role in the cultural soundtrack of the era following World War I.
The harmonious blending of African and European musical traditions characterized much of America's music evolution, setting a foundation for various music genres such as R&B and rock n' roll, which followed suit in later years.