Ma Rainey is known as the "Mother of Blues". She was a singer by profession and trade. She started performing early in her life was when was a teen performing in minstrel and medicine shows. After marrying Pa Rainey they traveled with the Rabbit Foot Minstrels around the country. She took many features of field hollers and spirituals and incorporated them into her style. She made her first recording in 1923, 20 years after she had started singing. After becoming known by her recordings she traveled North to perform in person. Her songs would go on to influence many generations of musicians. In 1975 she was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame and in 1982 into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Discography: Ma Rainey. 1992, Milestone. The Complete Madam Gertrude "Ma" Rainey Mastertake's Collection 1923-28, Vols. 1-4. King Jazz. Ma Rainey - The Complete 1928 Sessions in Chronological Order. 1993, Document. |
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