Births on May 26

Mamie Smith

Born on May 26, 1883

Mamie Smith, American singer, actress, dancer, and pianist (d. 1946)

Mamie Smith (née Robinson; May 26, 1891 – September 16, 1946) was an American vaudeville singer, dancer, pianist, and actress. As a vaudeville singer she performed in multiple styles, including jazz and blues. In 1920, she entered blues history as the first African American artist to make vocal blues recordings. Willie "The Lion" Smith (no relation) described the background of that recording in his autobiography, Music on My Mind (1964).

References

Mamie Smith

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Events on 1883

16 Jan

United States Civil Service Commission
The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, establishing the United States Civil Service, is passed.
20 May

1883 eruption of Krakatoa
Krakatoa begins to erupt; the volcano explodes three months later, killing more than 36,000 people.
17 Aug

National Anthem of the Dominican Republic
The first public performance of the Dominican Republic's national anthem, Himno Nacional.
20 Oct

Treaty of Ancón
Peru and Chile sign the Treaty of Ancón, by which the Tarapacá province is ceded to the latter, bringing an end to Peru's involvement in the War of the Pacific.
3 Nov

Black Bart (outlaw)
American Old West: Self-described "Black Bart the poet" gets away with his last stagecoach robbery, but leaves a clue that eventually leads to his capture.

Births on May 26

Mamie Smith

Born on May 26, 1883

References

Choose Another Date

Events on 1883

United States Civil Service Commission

1883 eruption of Krakatoa

National Anthem of the Dominican Republic

Treaty of Ancón

Black Bart (outlaw)