Ma Rainey
“I can't tell my future, so I'm going to tell my past.”
Once upon a time, a beautiful Black woman sang her burdens in the Blues…what a wonderful, colored world. This CUT in Blaque feature is a prominent icon of a music genre that’s a timeless classic: Ma Rainey.
Gertrude Malissa Nix Pridgett was born on April 26, 1886 in Columbus, Georgia. She became known as the “Ma Rainey” we know and love when she married entertainer Will “Pa” Rainey in 1904. Already performing with the talents of her own, these two formed a show together, “Ma and Pa Rainey”, which ran for over a decade (while also touring with other groups, such as the notable Rabbit Food Minstrels).
Eventually, the marriage ended; however, that didn’t mean the show had to stop for the Mother of Blues. Ma Rainey kept performing under her own new show, “Madame Gertrude Ma Rainey and Her Georgia Smart Set”. This led Ma Rainey to eventually signing a contract with Paramount Records (1920), during which she recorded nearly 100 songs in the span of five years.
Ma Rainey, affectionately and rightfully labeled as “The Mother of the Blues”, was influential for a plethora of reasons. Her larger-than-life stage presence, partnered with a hot and heavy voice and sensual “moaning” style of singing, was vital in combining Southern blues and traditional music together. Her bodacious clothing and dazzling jewelry, including her flashy gold teeth, gave off a grand yet genuine aura. Then, of course, there was Ma Rainey herself: a bisexual Black woman who still showed up and showed out in her authentic self.
Song of the Show
A CUT in Blaque segment highlighting Black LGBTQIA+ musical talent from around our community across genres through a series of artist videos, song snippets, and reviews to increase awareness amongst our people.
Ma Rainey’s lyrics were often depictions of life from women’s perspective, focusing on raw factors such as heartbreak, depression, and other difficulties. Additionally, Ma Rainey had a few songs that alluded to her sexuality as a Queer woman (such as “Prove It On Me” and “Bo-Weevil Blues”). We have to acknowledge and applaud how revolutionary it was for a bisexual woman to have the confidence and grandour to openly speak about her sexuality on heightened platforms as music. Not only is this inspiring for Queer musicians now, but it also inspired musicians during Ma Rainey’s reign, such as Bessie Smith (who was a mentee/rumored lover of Ma Rainey), Dinah Washington, and Big Mama Thornton.
After losing her contract, Ma Rainey kept performing for private events and intimate parties before eventually moving back to Columbus, Georgia to live with her brother. Before her passing in 1939, music still played a huge role in Ma Rainey’s life, with her managing two theaters and being active in church choir.
Ma Rainey has made a significant impact in the music industry as a Queer Black woman. Her influence inspired playwright August Wilson to create the play “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (1982), which was later adapted into a Netflix film starring Viola Davis. We’re so honored to have her art as a foundation for our culture!
Have you heard of Ma Rainey before? Let us know what it is you admire about her (or her art) down below!
Starter Pack: Ma Rainey
Each Starter Pack playlist is a curated compilation of a Black Queer artist’s greatest musical hits, further exploring the music of the African diaspora. This includes jazz, blues, gospel, rock and roll, hip hop, and R&B.