Gertrude Pridgett, better known as Ma Rainey (April 26, 1886 - December 22, 1939) was one of the earliest known American professional blues singers and one of the first generation of such singers to record. She helped develop and popularize the singing style of the blues and became an important influence on younger blues women like Bessie Smith and their careers.
After she married Will Rainey in 1904, the two began touring with F.S.

Read more about Gertrude "Ma" Rainey on Last.fm.


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