Ma Rainey, born Gertrude Pridgett on April 26, 1886, in Columbus, Georgia, is hailed as the "Mother of the Blues." Her powerful voice, electrifying stage presence, and soulful recordings made her one of the earliest and most influential blues singers of all time. She began her career in the performing arts at the age of 14, performing in vaudeville and minstrel shows. It wasn't until 1902, reportedly after hearing a woman sing a sad song about a man who had left her, that Rainey began incorporating blues into her repertoire—thus helping to shape the genre.

Rainey's career rose significantly in the 1920s when she started recording with Paramount Records, producing a body of work that would leave an indelible impact on the course of American popular music. Her songs like "See See Rider," "Booze and Blues," and the autobiographical "Prove It On Me Blues" are emblematic of her raw, unvarnished emotional expression and her bold, earthy performance style, which heavily influenced future generations of blues and jazz musicians. Despite facing challenges as a Black woman in the Jim Crow era, Ma Rainey's legacy endures, cementing her place as a pioneering legend in blues history. She passed away on December 22, 1939, but her music lives on, continuing to inspire artists and music lovers around the world.

Genres

Blues

Harlem Renaissance

Traditional Blues

Latest Release

Midnight Moods September Blues - Ma Rainey's Timeless Tunes

Ma Rainey

Album - 16 Tracks - Released September 8, 2023