My Generation: Broadway's Bead Lady, Bessie Nelson, Broadway, Entertai... Arts & Leisure

Broadway' s Bead Lady

Doing what she loves for over 50 years

If you’ve ever been dazzled by a Broadway musical, chances are you’ve also been dazzled by the artistry of bead designer Bessie Nelson. When it comes to beading, she has the field all sewn up. From TV shows and hit movies to big Broadway musicals, she has woven herself into many celebrity lives. Keeping some of the most elite stars in bangles, baubles and beads, this New Jersey artist has done work for performers like Beyoncé, Julia Roberts and Bette Midler and she’s created masterpieces that have been featured in musicals such as A Chorus Line, Spamalot and the Broadway production of Gypsy.

After 50 years of beading, Bessie is still doing what she loves. Join ’s Bobby Rivers as he introduces us to the lady who really takes the lead with a bead.

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