A pioneering blues singer-songwriter known for her powerful, soulful voice and hit songs like "Bo-Weavil Blues" and "See See Rider". She was a key figure in the development of Chicago blues.
Known as the "Mother of the Blues," Ma Rainey was a pioneering American blues singer who bridged the gap between vaudeville and authentic southern blues, influencing a generation of blues singers with her powerful vocal abilities, energetic disposition, and majestic phrasing.
Born Gertrude Pridgett on April 26, 1886, in Columbus, Georgia, Ma Rainey began performing at a young age and went on to become one of the most influential blues recording artists of her time.
Ma Rainey started her music career as a teenager, performing in local talent shows and vaudeville acts. In 1904, she married Will "Pa" Rainey and formed the duo "Rainey and Rainey, Assassinators of the Blues." They toured with the Rabbit Foot Minstrels, a famous African American vaudeville troupe.
In 1923, Ma Rainey made her first recording, which marked the beginning of a prolific career that saw her produce over 100 recordings in the next five years. Her early recordings, including "Bo-Weevil Blues" and "Moonshine Blues," showcased her unique moaning style of singing that became a hallmark of her music.
Ma Rainey collaborated with some of the biggest names in blues music, including Thomas Dorsey, Tampa Red, and Louis Armstrong. Her iconic recordings, such as "See See Rider Blues" (1925), "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" (1927), and "Soon This Morning" (1927), have become blues classics.
Ma Rainey continued to tour and record music until 1935, when she largely retired from performing. She then focused on her work as a theater impresario in Columbus, Georgia. Despite her relatively short career, Ma Rainey left an indelible mark on the blues genre, influencing generations of blues singers, including Bessie Smith, Ruth Brown, and Janis Joplin.
Ma Rainey's contributions to American music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including posthumous inductions into the Blues Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2023, she was honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ma Rainey's life and music have inspired several films, including the 2020 Academy Award-winning film "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," which stars Viola Davis as the legendary blues singer.
Ma Rainey's legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians to this day, cementing her place as one of the most important figures in American blues history.
Born in 1883
A pioneering African American blues singer and entertainer, known for being one of the first to record blues music and gain widespread popularity in the 1920s.
Born in 1894
A powerful blues singer known for her soulful, raspy voice and emotive performances, often referred to as "The Empress of the Blues".
Born in 1896
A trailblazing jazz and blues singer, actress, and Broadway performer who broke racial barriers in the entertainment industry with her smooth, sultry voice and captivating stage presence.
Born in 1899
A legendary jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader who revolutionized the genre with his unique style and iconic compositions, such as "Take the A Train" and "Mood Indigo".
Born in 1904
A legendary jazz pianist and bandleader who led a iconic orchestra, blending swing and blues to create a unique sound that influenced generations of musicians. Known for his distinctive "less-is-more" style and hits like "April in Paris" and "One O'Clock Jump".
Born in 1901
A legendary jazz musician who revolutionized the genre with his unique trumpet playing and raspy vocals, leaving an indelible mark on American music.
