Bluesy Women

The first Blues vocal song - "Crazy Blues" - was recorded by Mamie Smith on Aug 10, 1920. (It sold a million records within 6 months). That was quickly followed by Lucille Hegamin, and then by Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Alberta Hunter, Victoria Spivey and Clara Smith. Women ruled in those earliest years of recorded Blues. And women are still a strong force in the Blues. We salute women in the Blues. Here are images of some of the Bluesy Women we've enjoyed over the years. *=proof