MAMIE SMITH

Biography

Mamie Smith, born on May 26, 1883, in Cincinnati, Ohio, was a pioneering African American singer and vaudeville performer. She began her career in show business at the age of ten, eventually becoming a regular performer in New York City's Harlem. In 1920, Smith made history by becoming the first African American singer to record a Blues song, 'Crazy Blues,' which became a massive hit, selling over a million copies and launching the 'race record' industry. This success opened doors for other influential Blues and Jazz artists, including Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith. Smith toured extensively in the U.S. and Europe, retiring from performing in 1931 but returning to appear in films later in the decade. She passed away on September 16, 1946, in New York City. Her musical style spanned classic blues, blues, ragtime, and country blues, leaving a lasting legacy in the music world. Smith's performances were known for their extravagance, featuring elaborate stage shows and costumes designed by Madame Hammer. Her impact on the music industry was profound, validating the blues genre and paving the way for future generations of musicians.

Fun Facts

• Mamie Smith's 'Crazy Blues' was the first Blues recording by an African American artist, selling over a million copies in 1920.
• She was known as the 'Queen of the Blues' and performed at prestigious venues like Cincinnati Music Hall.
• Smith's stage shows were extravagant, featuring custom-made gowns by Madame Hammer.
• She earned an estimated $100,000 in royalties from her recordings between 1920 and 1931.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Perry Bradford - Manager and composer who arranged her first recording sessions ('Crazy Blues') [1920]

Key Collaborators

• Jazz Hounds - All-Black band that accompanied her on recordings and tours ('Crazy Blues') [1920-1931]
• Ward 'Dope' Andrews - Trombonist in the Jazz Hounds (Cincinnati Music Hall performances) [1921]
• Coleman Hawkins - Saxophonist and occasional collaborator (Various performances) [1920s]

Artists Influenced

• Ma Rainey - Influenced by Smith's pioneering work in Blues (Classic Blues recordings) [1920s]
• Bessie Smith - Inspired by Smith's success in the Blues genre (Classic Blues recordings) [1920s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Crazy Blues (What Have I Done?)
2. Crazy Blues
3. Crazy Blues (Mamie Smith Vol. 1 (1920-1921))
4. Keep A Song In Your Soul
5. Crazy Blues - (Alternate Take) (What Have I Done?)
6. You've Got To See Mamma Ev'ry Night (What Have I Done?)
7. You Can Have Him, I Don't Want Him, Didn't Love Him Anyhow Blues (Mamie Smith Vol. 3 (1922-1923))
8. That Da Da Strain (Mamie Smith Vol. 3 (1922-1923))
9. Crazy Blues (Female Crazy Blues (Classic Mood Experience))
10. Alabama Blues (Mamie Smith Vol. 3 (1922-1923))

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #vaudeville-blues