Ma Rainey – Biography and History
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Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, often referred to as the “Mother of the Blues,” was a pioneering figure in the development of blues music. Born on April 26, 1886, in Columbus, Georgia, Rainey’s early life was marked by hardship and resilience, factors that would deeply influence her music.
Rainey’s musical talents emerged early on, and she began performing in local talent shows and minstrel shows in her teenage years. In 1904, she married fellow performer William “Pa” Rainey, adopting the stage name “Ma” Rainey. The couple toured extensively on the vaudeville circuit, honing Rainey’s skills as a performer and earning her a reputation as a powerful and charismatic singer.