The Podcast Page

Mamie Smith: The Birth of the Blues Podcast, For Black Music Month

Mamie Smith was the first black performer to record the blues. Before 1920, it simply had not occurred. And the song, Crazy Blues, became a hit for Mamie after the originally scheduled performer, Sophie Tucker missed the session due to illness. The song sold 10,000 copies its first week and 75,000 within a month, paving the way for black musicians, and the black entertainment industry.