Ma Rainey built a rock solid legacy as "Mother of the Blues" expanding the popularity of and setting the standard for Blues singers for generations to come!
From britannica.com:
Over a five-year span she recorded some 92 songs for Paramount...that later became the only permanent record of one of the most influential popular musical artists of her time.
Ma Rainey, born Gertrude Pridgett in 1886 in Columbus, GA, toured the South (USA) during her younger years as part vaudeville shows. In the 1920s she signed with Paramount recording nearly 100 songs and cementing her legacy as one of the first and greatest Blues singers. She is a member of the both the Blues Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; also receiving a pothumous Lifetime Acheivement Grammy in 2023.
About this Series
Black History Month isn't just about celebrating the most famous names – it's about honoring the full tapestry of Black excellence. In that spirit, this 'Black Women in Music' series spotlights brilliant artists whose impact on music culture deserves deeper recognition. These are creators, innovators, and visionaries whose contributions helped shape the world through music!
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