‘Ma’ Rainey- Blues and Jazz Singers Series

Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, also known as the “Mother of the Blues,” was an American blues singer and songwriter. She was born on April 26, 1886, in Columbus, Georgia, and grew up singing in her local church choir. She began her professional career in the early 1900s and went on to become one of the most popular blues performers of her time.

Rainey was known for her powerful voice and her ability to convey emotion through her music. She was a pioneering figure in the blues genre and paved the way for future generations of African American musicians. Rainey recorded over 100 songs during her career, many of which have become classics.