Sold Date: March 24, 2015
Start Date: March 13, 2015
Final Price: £68.00 (GBP)
Seller Feedback: 320
Buyer Feedback: 10

Here is the rare and historical first ever blues record just 5 years away from it's 100th anniversary. A must have for the true blues collectors.
History: "Crazy Blues" is a song written by Perry Bradford. It was recorded on August 10, 1920, by Mamie Smith and Her Jazz Hounds and released that year on a gramophone record by Okeh Records, catalogue 4169.(...) This recording is considered a landmark as the very first blues record ever issued. It was ushered into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1994. In Episode 10, Season 1 of Boardwalk Empire.  (source: Wikipedia)
"In a sense it was happenstance that Mamie Smith acquired the opportunity to record 'Crazy Blues," says Angela Davis, the '60s activist who is now professor of history, consciousness and feminist studies at the University of California/Santa Cruz. Until 1920, no black singer had been recorded doing a blues song. "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," Davis says.
It's hard to overstate the impact of the recording, which is a prime reason it was added to the National Recording Registry. "We can't conceive of modern popular American music without these early blues performers and songs," (...) "And Mamie Smith was the first one to record this kind of music." "And now, of course, black music stands in for American musical culture," Davis says. "Not only within the country, but all over the world." (Source: http://www.npr.org/2006/11/11/6473116/mamie-smith-and-the-birth-of-the-blues-market)
Mamie Smith - "Crazy Blues" on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaz4Ziw_CfQ
Condition: Though this is a record worthy of framing for display, the condition is as follows. The record is in good shape for a 95 year old record, the "Crazy Blues" side is the one with the most damage, it has some deep scratches and skips at some points but still is able to play. The label also has some wear as seen in the pics. The "It's right here for you" side is in excellent condition, almost no scratches and label is very good. (see pictures)
10% of the final value of sale will be donated to Good Gifts: Educate African Girls.
Buy with confidence! Shipping internationally with tracking number, packed safely and with insurance. If you have questions please don't hesitate to ask.