What song became the first hit to gain popularity in recorded form before being released as sheet music?

The song that gained popularity in recorded form before its release as sheet music is "Mary." This marked a significant shift in the music industry during the early 20th century, as it illustrated the growing influence of recorded music on public tastes and the way music was consumed. Prior to this, sheet music was the primary means through which songs were disseminated and popularized. The success of "Mary" in recorded form demonstrates the early impact of phonograph records on the music business, paving the way for future hits that would follow a similar path.

In contrast, the other options either predominantly gained recognition through sheet music first or were popularized in a more traditional manner, highlighting the uniqueness of "Mary" in the context of music history.