Final answer:
d. Bessie Smith made nearly two hundred recordings and starred in the short film St. Louis Blues. She did not live to be eighty-six but rather passed away at 43, making 'd) a and c only' the correct answer to the question.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question focuses on the accomplishments of Bessie Smith, an influential African-American blues singer known as "The Empress of the Blues." She was indeed a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance period, renowned for her vocal prowess and memorable recordings, including classics such as "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out."
Bessie Smith is known to have made nearly two hundred recordings and also starred in the short film titled St. Louis Blues. This film showcases her remarkable talent and is a classic piece from her era. Unfortunately, Bessie Smith did not live to be eighty-six; she passed away at the age of 43.
Consequently, the correct answers to the student's question are a) made nearly two hundred recordings and c) starred in the short film St. Louis Blues, meaning that the correct answer is d) a and c only.