Perry Bradford facts for kids

Perry Bradford was an important American musician. He was a composer, songwriter, and performer. He was born in Montgomery, Alabama on February 14, 1893. He passed away in New York City on April 20, 1970. Some of his famous songs were "Crazy Blues" and "That Thing Called Love." People called him "Mule" because he was very determined. He helped Mamie Smith make a historic blues recording in 1920. This recording was with Okeh Records.

Early Life and Career

Perry grew up in Atlanta. His family moved there when he was six years old. In 1906, he began performing in traveling shows. He played piano by himself in Chicago in 1909. The next year, he visited New York City.

Breaking Barriers in Music

Perry Bradford learned a lot about African-American folk songs. He gained this knowledge from working with many traveling theater groups. He helped break down racial barriers in the music world. Before Perry, African-American singers recorded music that sounded like white dance bands. Their recordings did not show much of their own musical style. Perry worked hard to make the music industry value African-American artists. He wanted them to record in their own unique style.

Working with Mamie Smith

From 1908 to 1919, Perry worked as a pianist, singer, dancer, and composer. He performed in theaters across the South and North. His act was called "Bradford and Jeanette." While in New York City, Perry convinced Frederick W. Hager of Okeh Records to record Mamie Smith. Perry then became her music director. Mamie Smith was the star of Perry's show, Made in Harlem (1918). Perry also helped Mamie Smith become the first African-American blues singer to record a song. This happened in 1920 with his song "Crazy Blues."

Perry said that his show, Made in Harlem, was the first to bring blues music to a large audience in Harlem. He also helped set up the first recording session that featured an African-American artist. This artist was joined by a white studio band. They performed music that was special to African-American culture. The song was "That Thing Called Love."

Music Offices and Collaborations

Perry had offices in the Gaiety Theatre office building in Times Square, New York City. Many important Black musicians also had offices there. These included Bill Robinson, Eubie Blake, Shelton Brooks, and W.C. Handy. George M. Cohan jokingly called the building "Uncle Tom's Cabin."

Perry toured and recorded with Mamie Smith. He also worked with Alberta Hunter. Between 1923 and 1927, he led seven of his own recording sessions. Famous musicians like Louis Armstrong played with Perry. Armstrong's session with Perry was his last in New York City before he returned to Chicago.

Later Years and Legacy

Perry kept promoting blues and jazz music. He did this by publishing and managing artists. The stock market crash in 1929 affected his influence in the music industry. Changes in jazz and African-American songs also played a role. After the 1940s, he was less active in music.

During the Great Depression, Perry became less known. In his later years, he sometimes seemed to overstate his role in early blues music. This might have been because he felt forgotten. In 1957, Little Richard had a hit song called "Keep A-Knockin'", which Perry wrote.

In 1965, Perry Bradford's life story was published. The book was called Born With the Blues. Noble Sissle wrote the introduction for the book.