Worlds of Music 2: Blog

Mamie Smith: The Trailblazing Jazz and Blues Singer

Mamie Smith, born Mamie Robinson on May 26, 1891, in Cincinnati, Ohio, was a pioneering figure in the world of jazz and blues. Her career marked a significant milestone in music history, as she became the first African American woman to record a vocal blues song. 

Mamie began her career in vaudeville, performing with various acts from a young age. By her teenage years, she was already making a name for herself in the entertainment industry. In 1913, she moved to Harlem, where she continued to perform in clubs and theaters. According to Willie the Lion Smith, Mamie was a beautiful, “high class” woman with a bold personality. He said she didn’t really care for the blues but saw the opportunity and seized it. 

In 1920, Mamie Smith made history with her recording of "Crazy Blues" for Okeh Records. This song was a commercial success, selling over a million copies within a year. The success of "Crazy Blues" opened the doors for many other African American artists and marked the beginning of the "race records" era, where music by black artists was marketed to black audiences. Mamie Smith's influence extended beyond her recordings. She toured extensively with her band, the Jazz Hounds, and performed in both the United States and Europe. Her success paved the way for future generations of female blues and jazz singers, including legends like Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday. 

Mamie Smith passed away on August 16, 1946, but her legacy lives on. Her groundbreaking work in the music industry continues to inspire and influence artists to this day. Mamie Smith's story is a testament to her talent, determination, and the enduring power of music to break down barriers and bring people together. 

Listen to her sing and find out more about her music: 

https://search.alexanderstreet.com/view/work/bibliographic_entity|recorded_track|226484?account_id=14971&usage_group_id=94847 

https://search-alexanderstreet-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/search?searchstring=mamie+smith 

References 

Mamie Smith. (2025, February 4). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mamie_Smith 

Smith, W., & Hoefer, G. (1975). Music on my mind : the memoirs of an American pianist. Da Capo Press.