The 1920s

The "Jazz Age" began during the end of World War I and the start of the Great Depression in 1929. In 1920 the first vocal blues recording, "Crazy Blues" was made by the Vaudevillean singer Mamie Smith. After this came out, blues sung by African American women became very popular. The most popular female blues singer was Bessie Smith. She influenced other jazz singers. In 1921 Black Swan Records was started in Harlem, New York and was the first record label owned by an African-American. Louis Armstrong became one of the most famous jazz musicians in the world in the late 1920s. He was a great trumpeter and singer.

You can hear "Crazy Blues" by Mamie Smith"> here.  

You can listen to one of Bessie Smith's songs, "Squeeze Me" ">here.