Final answer:
The first successful hook in blues recording was "Crazy Blues" by Mamie Smith, recorded in 1920. It represented a shift in musical expression for African-American artists and opened the doors for the blues genre to gain mainstream popularity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first successful hook in blues recording was "Crazy Blues" by Mamie Smith. Recorded in 1920, this track marked a significant milestone in the history of blues music, shifting away from styles rooted in European classical music and towards a uniquely African-American art form. Mamie Smith's recording success paved the way for future blues artists and is credited with helping to popularize the genre among wider audiences.
Blues music, which evolved from African-American spirituals, was greatly influenced by the cultural renaissance in places like Harlem, where artists like Bessie Smith, known as "The Empress of the Blues," flourished. Harlem became known for its vibrant music scene; legends such as Louis Armstrong and Charlie "Bird" Parker contributed to its rich musical tapestry. W. C. Handy, often referred to as "the Father of the Blues," played a critical role in transcribing and composing blues music, but it was Mamie Smith who achieved the first commercial recording success.