Welcome to the mesmerizing world of Gertrude Pridgett, better known as Ma Rainey, the legendary “Mother of the Blues.” Born in September 1882 in Russell County, Alabama, Ma Rainey’s journey from her Southern roots to international fame is a fascinating tale of talent, passion, and musical innovation.
Gertrude Pridgett was the second of five children born to Thomas and Ella Pridgett. Her musical journey began at a young age when she started performing at talent shows in Columbus, Georgia, between the ages of 12 to 14. Growing up as a member of the First African Baptist Church, she honed her skills by playing in the church choir and later performing in black minstrel shows.
Around 1902, Ma Rainey claimed to have been exposed to blues music for the first time, marking a pivotal moment in her musical development.
During her teenage years, Ma Rainey crossed paths with Will Rainey, a performer known as “Pa” Rainey. They married in February 1904, and Gertrude adopted the stage name “Ma Rainey” as a playful nod to her husband’s stage moniker, ‘Pa.’ Together, they formed the Alabama Fun Makers Company, marking the beginning of a remarkable musical partnership.
The Raineys expanded their family by adopting a son named Danny, who would later join their musical act. In 1906, they embarked on a new journey by joining Pat Chappelle’s Rabbit’s Foot Company, a larger and more popular entertainment troupe.
Ma Rainey credited her discovery of the blues to a fateful night in Missouri. During a performance, a young girl introduced her to a melancholic song about a man leaving a woman. Ma Rainey learned the song’s lyrics and began incorporating it into her performances. When asked what kind of song she was singing, she responded by saying she was singing the “blues.”
In 1914, the Raineys billed themselves as “Rainey and Rainey, Assassinators of the Blues,” showcasing their growing affinity for this evolving musical genre. Their tour in New Orleans during the winter of 1914 allowed them to meet and collaborate with notable musicians like Louis Armstrong, Joe “King” Oliver, Sidney Bechet, and Pops Foster.
It was during this period that Ma Rainey also crossed paths with the rising star Bessie Smith, sparking a friendship that would shape both their careers.
In 1923, Ma Rainey signed a recording contract with Paramount Records, leading to her first eight recordings in Chicago that December. Over the next five years, she recorded over 100 songs, catapulting her to fame that extended far beyond the South. She was proudly marketed as the “Mother of the Blues.”
Collaborations with renowned artists like Louis Armstrong, including tracks like “Jelly Bean Blues,” “Countin’ the Blues,” and “See, See Rider,” solidified her status as a musical icon.
Remarkably, Ma Rainey was not just a powerful vocalist; she was also a talented songwriter. She wrote at least a third of the songs she performed, including classics like “Moonshine Blues” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” setting her apart from many of her contemporaries.
Throughout the 1920s, Ma Rainey earned a reputation as one of the most dynamic performers in the United States. Her live shows were legendary, characterized by her electrifying showmanship and the sheer power of her voice.
However, as the era transitioned away from live vaudeville shows toward radio and recordings, Ma Rainey continued to shine as a beacon of musical innovation.
In 1935, Ma Rainey returned to her hometown of Columbus, Georgia. There, she became the owner of three theaters: the Liberty in Columbus and the Lyric and the Airdrome in Rome, Georgia. These theaters allowed her to remain connected to her community and the world of entertainment until her passing.
As we celebrate the life and legacy of Ma Rainey, we remember her as not only a trailblazing artist but also as a pioneer who helped shape the blues genre. Her journey from humble beginnings to international stardom serves as an inspiration for generations of musicians and music enthusiasts alike. Ma Rainey will forever be cherished as the “Mother of the Blues,” a title she earned through her incredible talent and enduring contributions to the world of music.
Get the first coloring book where we spotlight our musical greats from Ragtime all the way to Rap and all the genres of music we created along the way. Have fun coloring while learning, reminiscing your favorite musicians in volume one of the Music Legendz series.