There was little to no trace of African-American musical characteristics present in their recordings. Prior to Bradford's influence, African-American artists recorded in a style that was closely similar to those of white dance orchestras. Bradford broke down walls of racial prejudice that had kept African-American singers from recording. Through extensive experience with traveling minstrel shows and theatre companies, Bradford obtained exposure to African-American folksongs. He played in Chicago as a solo pianist as early as 1909 and visited New York City the following year. Biography īradford grew up in Atlanta, where his family moved when he was six, and in 1906 started working in minstrel shows. His most notable songs included "Crazy Blues," "That Thing Called Love," and "You Can't Keep A Good Man Down." He was nicknamed "Mule" because of his stubbornness, and he is credited with finally persuading Okeh Records to work with Mamie Smith leading to her historic blues recording in 1920. Perry Bradford (February 14, 1893, Montgomery, Alabama – April 20, 1970, New York City) was an American composer, songwriter, and vaudeville performer. Problems playing this file? See media help. The first recording of vocal blues by an African-American singer, Mamie Smith's performance of Perry Bradford's "Crazy Blues" in 1920.
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