MA RAINEY (1886-1939)
Gertrude “Ma” Rainey (born Gertrude Malissa Nix Pridgett) is often called the “Mother of the Blues.” Rainey was known for her deep-throated voice and mesmerizing stage presence. As a songwriter, her lyrics and melodies reflected her experiences as an independent, openly bisexual African-American woman.
Ma Rainey was born in 1886 in Columbus, Georgia. She displayed talent from a young age and began performing in traveling vaudeville acts in tent shows, honky-tonks, and carnivals as a teenager.
It was on the performance circuit that she met comedian, singer, and dancer Will “Pa” Rainey, and the two married in 1904 when Ma was 18. They formed a double act “Ma and Pa Rainey” and toured for several years together.
Rainey was influential for bridging the traditions of vaudeville and authentic Southern blues. Her ability to capture the mood and essence of Black rural southern life quickly endeared her to people throughout the South.
Rainey signed a recording contract in 1923 with Paramount Records, making her one of the earliest recorded blues musicians. During her five-year recording career, Rainey earned a reputation s a professional on stage and in business.
Following the death of her mother and sister in 1935, Rainey retired from the music business and settled in Columbus, Georgia. For the next several years, she devoted her time to the ownership of two entertainment venues — the Lyric Theater and the Airdome — as well as activities in the Friendship Baptist Church.
Rainey died on December 22, 1939 at the age of 56.
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