Ma Rainey – Short Biography
Ma Rainey, known as the “Mother of the Blues,” was a pioneering figure in American music history. Born Gertrude Pridgett on April 26, 1886, in Columbus, Georgia, Rainey’s impact on the blues genre and the broader cultural landscape is immeasurable.
Raised in a musical family, Rainey began performing in minstrel shows and vaudeville acts at a young age. She honed her craft touring the South, drawing inspiration from the sounds of the rural African American communities she encountered. Rainey’s powerful voice, charismatic stage presence, and commanding performances quickly garnered attention.