Who was thefirstafican American blues singer?

The first African American blues singer is often considered to be Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, who gained prominence in the early 20th century. However, there were earlier performers, such as Mamie Smith, whose 1920 recording of "Crazy Blues" is credited with bringing Blues Music to a wider audience and is often recognized as a significant moment in the genre's history. Both artists played crucial roles in popularizing the blues and paving the way for future musicians.