Mamie Smith
Tutt-Whitney’s Smart Set Company
SANANTONIO,TX
Summary
Groundbreaking American blues singer, actress, and vaudeville performer best known for helping introduce African American blues music to the commercial recording industry. Made history in 1920 with the recording of “Crazy Blues,” one of the first commercially successful blues recordings by a Black female vocalist.
Work History
Dancer / Vaudeville Performer
- Performed choreographed routines with precision, timing, and stage presence during live company productions.
- Rehearsed complex sequences, retaining choreography and adapting quickly to direction changes.
- Collaborated with performers and production staff to maintain smooth scene transitions.
- Executed expressive movement and character interpretation to support storytelling across performances.
Singer / Stage Performer
- Performed live sets across Harlem venues, delivering consistent vocal quality and audience engagement.
- Rehearsed song selections and harmonies to support smooth show preparation and stage readiness.
- Adapted setlists to match crowd energy, venue atmosphere, and event flow.
- Collaborated with musicians and event staff to coordinate cues, transitions, and performance timing.
Recording Artist & Blues Singer
- Collaborated with producers and engineers to refine arrangements and capture desired sound.
- Recorded vocals during studio sessions, delivering consistent performances aligned with producer direction.
- Evaluated playback takes, identifying areas for pitch, tone, and delivery improvement.
- Rehearsed material thoroughly, improving timing, phrasing, and interpretation before sessions.
Education
No Degree
Skills
Dance choreography
Stage presence
Stage performance
Audience engagement
Effective communication
Improvisational skills
Blues Singing
Vaudeville Performance
Piano
Live Entertainment
Accomplishments
SIGNATURE RECORDINGS
Timeline
Dancer / Vaudeville Performer
Tutt-Whitney’s Smart Set Company
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Singer / Stage Performer
Harlem Clubs & Made in Harlem
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Recording Artist & Blues Singer
Okeh Records
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Cincinnati Public Schools
No Degree
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SIGNATURE RECORDINGS * “Crazy Blues” — 1920 * “That Thing Called Love” — 1920 * “You Can’t Keep a G
The success of “Crazy Blues” showed record companies that there was a major market for music performed by African American artists. Her breakthrough helped create opportunities for many Black musicians and female blues singers who followed her.