BHS Day 20: Mamie Smith

Hi! For our third M&E Spotlight we're taking it back to music. For all the women I have in this year's series, I have yet to feature one in this category. I wanted to keep this year's entrants kind of in the same era of entertainment and music, as they were all integral to the scene that helped shape the first part of the 20th century for African-Americans. If not for any of these entertainers helping bring Black music to the forefront, a large part of the backdrop for the Harlem Renaissance likely would not be there. We're going to learn about one of those entertainers today. Let's get to it!

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Name: Mamie Robinson Smith, "The Queen of the Blues," 1891-1946

Profession: Vaudevillian, singer, dancer, actress

Why is the Spotlight on her today? For her contributions to the music industry and her work in helping popularize the jazz and blues genres

Notables:

--Was the first Black female singer to formally record a music track

--Had one of her signature songs, the hit 'Crazy Blues,' which was technically her third recording but her first hit, added to the National Recording Registry for its lasting impact on the music industry

--Is credited with helping to create 'race music,' which was music specifically catered to a particular race--for African-Americans it was gospel, blues, jazz and comedy tracks

--Began her career touring with a white musician group and vaudeville entertainers

--Created her own group, the Jazz Hounds, and toured to different clubs, concerts and shows

--Helped give birth to the niche era 'classic female blues,' which helped the female blues scene thrive after the success of Crazy Blues

--Retired from performing, turning her attention to acting and was credited for at least 7 films until retiring from public life altogether due to illness

--Was posthumously honored with a new headstone and interment after initially being buried in an unmarked grave  

Further reading and resources:

1 | 2 | 3 

Quote of the Day:

"The recording of 'Crazy Blues' led the way for the professionalization of black music, for the black entertainment industry, and indeed for the immense popularity of black music today."

-Angela Davis

Today's organization: Uniquely You Summit

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What does this organization provide? Uplifting support, resources and encouragement for young Black girls. Through the organization, Black girls are encouraged to widen their horizons, develop a sense of self, learn to love themselves and foster a feeling of sisterhood with their peers and fellow Uniquely You members. They teach their members to celebrate Black experiences, encourage them to create change within their local communities, and help them understand the societal and cultural pressures of the Black race. 

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See you tomorrow!