This page contains Mamie Smith songs, albums and video links. Music profile for Mamie Smith with events, tracks, videos, pictures, lyrics and band information.
Mamie Smith (May 26, 1883, Cincinnati, Ohio – September 16, 1946, New York City) was an United States|American vaudeville singer, dancer, pianist and actor|actress, who appeared in several motion pictures late in her career. As a vaudeville singer she performed a number of styles including jazz and blues. She entered blues history by being the first African American to make vocal blues recordings in 1920.
Early years
Smith was born Mamie Robinson in Cincinnati, Ohio. She toured with African-American vaudeville and minstrel shows until settling in New York City in 1913, where she worked as a cabaret singer. She appeared in songwriter Perry Bradford's musical ''Made in Harlem'' in 1918.
In early 1920, Okeh Records planned to record popular singer Sophie Tucker performing a pair of songs by Perry Bradford. Tucker was ill and could not make it to the session; Bradford persuaded Okeh to allow Mamie Smith to record in Tucker's place. Smith recorded two sides ("That Thing Called Love" and "You Can't Keep A Good Man Down") on February 14, 1920, backed by a Caucasian studio band. Smith's record sold moderately well, so she and Bradford were invited back to make additional recordings.
Musical career
On August 10, 1920, Smith recorded the Bradford-penned "Crazy Blues" and "It's Right Here For You, If You Don't Get It, ... read all
Mamie Smith 1922
