The First Race Record Turns 100

The March 2020 issue of The Syncopated Times newspaper will run my article on the historic 1920 recording of “Crazy Blues,” by Mamie Smith and her Jazz Hounds, the disc that opened the way for African American artists in the record business. The article explores the circumstances of the recording and the career of Perry Bradford, the composer of “Crazy Blues” and a largely forgotten show business pioneer. Read it here! I hope to publish a couple more pieces in Syncopated Times shortly, expanding on the theme of “1920: The Year in Syncopation.” So don’t forget, folks—the twenties are here again! Vo do-de-o d’oh!

[p.s.: You can hear my program on music and popular culture of the 1920s and ’30s, “Crazy Words, Crazy Tune,” Fridays from noon to 2pm on WRFI Community Radio of Ithaca/Watkins Glen.]