147K views · 21K reactions | Celebrating #MamieSmith on her birthday who made history when in 1920 she became the first African American singer to make a record of a Blues song, “Crazy Blues.” The record became a massive hit, changing the record industry and launching a new era of “race records” aimed at black listeners. This is called "Harlem Blues" but has the same lyrics as "Crazy Blues." | JazzCorner | Facebook

Mamie Smith, whose 1920 hit 'Crazy Blues' opened up the market for 'race records, was born on May 26th 1883. http://www.allaboutbluesmusic.com/mamie-smith/ Mamie was a cabaret singer whose first record sold in such huge numbers it opened the floodgates for all kinds of Blues music, and she went on to have dozens more hits herself. | All About Blues Music