Reference

OKeh Records achieved a significant event in the realm of blues music by releasing the first blues record, "Crazy Blues," by Mamie Smith in 1920. This event marked a pivotal moment in the history of blues music, as it was the first time a blues song was recorded and released commercially. According to Wikipedia, "Crazy Blues" became a huge success, selling over 75,000 copies in its first month and paving the way for other blues musicians to be recorded.

As stated in The Guardian, "Crazy Blues" was recorded on August 10, 1920, at Okeh Studios in New York City. The song was written by Perry Bradford, who persuaded Fred Hager, the white executive of Okeh Records, to record Mamie Smith, a black artist who did not fit the mold of popular white music at the time.

This event was significant not only because it introduced blues music to a wider audience but also because it helped to break down racial barriers in the music industry. As noted in Earlyblues.org, Okeh Records' decision to record and release "Crazy Blues" marked a turning point in the history of blues music, as it paved the way for other blues musicians to be recorded and recognized.

Here's an image of the original 1920 recording of "Crazy Blues" by Mamie Smith:

[Image: http://earlyblues.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/okeh1-250.png]

In summary, OKeh Records' release of "Crazy Blues" by Mamie Smith in 1920 was a significant event in the realm of blues music, as it marked the first commercial recording and release of a blues song, paved the way for other blues musicians to be recorded, and helped to break down racial barriers in the music industry.