An inspiring tribute to the artist herself, Ma Rainey: Mother of the Blues takes a deeper look at the real Ma Rainey an incredible musician and pioneer, way ahead of her time, who. Poaching History, Effects & Examples | What is Poaching? Ma Rainey took birth on 26th April 1886 with the real name or full name of Gertrude Pridgett in Columbus, Georgia, U.S. Soft News Style, Examples & Overview | Market-Centered Journalism. Maundy Thursday History, Facts & Overview | What is Holy Thursday? Flagellants History, Overview & Facts | What is Self-Flagellation? Saturnalia History, Celebration & Influences | What is Saturnalia? Benefit of Clergy: Overview & Origin | What was the Benefit of Clergy? Exegesis Overview & Examples | What is Biblical Exegesis? Albanian Orthodox Church: Overview & History | What is the Albanian Church? Cognitive Development in Infants | Overview & Theories. The announcement noted her "deep voice and mesmerizing stage presence" and that she, "recorded almost 100 records, many of them national hits that are now part of the American musical canon". Maronite: History, Church & Religion | Who are the Maronites? Immediate Family: Son of John Rainey and Jane Eccles. Are they pretty? Mongolian Architecture & Art | Traditional Houses & Buildings in Mongolia, Medieval Scandinavian Architecture | Features, Examples & Viking Longhouses, American Architecture History & Characteristics | Famous Buildings in USA, Ancient Civilization Architecture | History, Characteristics & Structures. [43] Bragging about sexual escapades was popular in men's songs at the time but her use of these themes in her works established her as both fiercely independent and fearless and many have drawn connections between her use of these themes and their modern use in Hip-Hop. Longhouse Religion Founder & Beliefs | What is Gaihwi:io? Satan Facts, Role & Symbolism | Who is Satan in the Bible? A Sunday on La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat | Overview, Analysis & Materials. Nobel Prize History, Winners & Facts | What is a Nobel Prize? Portugal Day History & Tradition | How is Portugal Day Celebrated? Ma Rainey, ne Gertrude Pridgett, (born April 26, 1886, Columbus, Georgia, U.S.died December 22, 1939, Columbus), American singer who was known as the "mother of the blues" and who was recognized as the first great professional blues vocalist. Cain & Abel Story: Summary & Analysis | Why Did Cain Kill Abel? Group of 77: Overview & Policies | What are the G77 Countries? Torah Ark: History, Purpose & Location | What is the Aron HaKodesh? Althea Gibson Biography, Facts & Titles | Who was Althea Gibson? Transduction Facts & Examples | What is Transduction in Psychology? Fritz Lang's Metropolis Plot & Cast | What is the Movie Metropolis? RICO: Overview, Cases & Charges | What is the RICO Act? They founded their own band, Rainey and Rainey, Assassinators of the Blues, in 1914. Centre Pompidou in Paris | Architecture, Architect & Purpose. Gematria Overview, History & Calculation | What is Gematria? Crop Circles Causes & Examples | What are Crop Circles? Ma and Pa Rainey travelled the South with various cabarets including The Rabbit Foot Minstrels, Tolliver's Circus and Musical Extravaganza, and the Moses Stokes Troupe. [A] A story later developed that Rainey kidnapped Smith, forced her to join the Rabbit's Foot Minstrels, and taught her to sing the blues; the story was disputed by Smith's sister-in-law Maud Smith. Botswana History, People & Language | Where is Botswana Located? She then recorded various songs under the name of Ma Rainey and her Georgia Jazz Band. "Ma" Rainey (born Gertrude Pridgett; c. 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. (They would continue to tour together for the next few years). [29] Pongal History, Celebration & Facts | When is Pongal? World Athletics History & Purpose | What is the IAAF? Great Mosque of Cordoba: History & Design | What is the Mezquita? In 1923, she was discovered by music producerJ. Mayo Williams who worked for Paramount Records. Jewish Religious Clothing | Types, History & Examples. Bodhidharma Life, History & Significance | Who was Bodhidharma? Her first recording was made in 1923. South African Townships | Overview, History & Locations. Avar History, Culture & Facts | Who are the Avar People? Valentine's Day History, Facts & Traditions | Valentine's Day Overview. Types of Presbyterian Churches | Characteristics, Denominations & History. Vietnamese Art Styles & Techniques | What is Vietnamese Traditional Art? In fact, the husband-wife duo joined Rabbits Foot Company, a popular minstrel show at that time. Danny Kay Rainey, Jr. born February 2, 1970 in Owensboro, Kentucky passed away on January 6, 2009 in Colorado Springs, CO. United Nations Resolution 181 | Impact of the UN Partition of Palestine. [24] They began their tour with an appearance in Chicago in April 1924 and continued, on and off, until 1928. [10] It was also rumored that Smith once bailed Ma Rainey out of jail. Marquess Overview, Title & Facts | What is a Marquis? Royal Exchange: Overview & History | What is the Royal Exchange? Jewish Symbols: Overview & History | What are Symbols in Judaism? Exactly how many blues songs Ma Rainey composed is not known, but it was probably well over 100. Nagual Origin & Significance | What is a Nagual in Mythology? Habituation Overview & Examples | What is Habituation in Psychology? Armistice Overview, Examples & Facts | What is an Armistice? In 2023, she was honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Step Pyramid Architecture & Examples | What is a Step Pyramid? Cognitive Learning Theory & Examples | What is Cognitive Learning? Nestorian Christianity Overview & History | What is Nestorianism? Archbishop Role & History | What is an Archbishop? Reflexes & Unconditioned Responses in Psychology | What is a Reflex? Church of Sweden: Overview & History | What is the Church of Sweden? In 2004, "See See Rider Blues" (written in 1925) was inducted in the Grammy Hall of Fame, and was included by the National Recording Preservation Board in the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry in 2004. Alienation Overview & Philosophy | What is Alienation? A&E Television Networks. Walter Benjamin Life, Philosophy & Work | Who was Walter Benjamin? Olmec Architecture History & Arts | What Structures Did the Olmec Build? Filioque History & Controversy | What is the Filioque Clause? Psychology | Overview, Differences & Examples, Lawrence Kohlberg: Contributions to Psychology | Overview, Theory & Examples, Imaginary Audience Overview & Examples | Imaginary Audience in Psychology, Prototypes in Psychology | Overview, Theory & Examples, Incentive Theory of Motivation in Psychology | Approaches, Uses & Examples, The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp by Rembrandt | Analysis & Style. By the 1920s, the American musical landscape was undergoing important shifts. Jacob in the Bible: Family & Role | Who was Jacob in the Bible? Celtic Paganism History, Deities & Facts | Ancient Celtic Religion. The Satanic Bible by Anton LaVey | Summary & History. Artiste itinrante, Gertrude en sme les notes sur les scnes du Sud profond, o elle forme toute une gnration . [53], Mo'Nique played Rainey in the 2015 television film Bessie about the life of Bessie Smith, for which she earned a nomination for Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie. Oni, Japanese Demon: Origins & Stories | What is an Oni? Arrivant en retard, l'intrpide et . Candlemas Origin & History | What is Candlemas? Doge of Venice: History, Role & Election | Who were the Doges of Venice? Hallel Overview, History & Prayer | What is a Hallel? Vamana Avatar Legend & Symbolism | Who is Vishnu's Fifth Avatar? Traveling around the country and even to Mexico allowed Rainey to live life to the fullest while also developing her unique Blues sound. Feminist Theory Models, Criticisms & Examples | What is Feminist Theory? Mayor History, Duties & Responsibilities | What Does a Mayor Do? "The Mother of the Blues" was among the first blues singers to record music. At 18, she married William Pa Rainey, which is when she adopted the name Ma. (They went on to adopt a son named Danny). Mande People Location & Culture | Who are the Mande People? Whitewater Scandal: Clinton Involvement & Ruling | What was Whitewater? Concept Facts, Function & Examples | What is a Concept in Psychology? Following this, in 1935, Ma went back to her hometown and ran three theatres the Lyric, the Airdrome, and the Liberty Theatre. Budai Origin & History | Who was the Hotei Buddha? Bible Translations | Overview, History & Timeline. Callison Hopkins, a certified English/Drama teacher, graduated from Arkansas State University with her Masters in English Education. . Gates of Paradise by Lorenzo Ghiberti | Overview, History & Facts, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial | Overview, Significance & Facts. Maypole Overview, Dance & History | What is a Maypole? Roman Curia History & Facts | What is the Papal Curia? Teen Relationship Psychology | How Do Teenagers Act When They're in Love? Republic Day in India | History, Date & Celebration. As was often the case with tent show acts, she wintered in New Orleans, where she befriended jazz musicians like Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, and Joe King Oliver. [31], Academy Award winner Mo'Nique played Ma Rainey in the 2015. Agnolo Bronzino Biography & Paintings | Who was Agnolo di Cosimo? Levee Overview, History & Purpose | What is a Levee? Fortune Telling History & Facts | What is a Fortune Teller? Earthship Biotecture Homes & Founder | What are Earthships? Merlin the Wizard: Mythology, Legend & Names | Who is Merlin? Pelagianism: History & Beliefs | What was the Pelagian Heresy? [46], There was also a small museum opened in Columbus in 2007 to honor Ma Rainey's legacy. Gender Disparities in Healthcare | Biases & Sexism in Healthcare. Create your account. Harry Belafonte Family & Career | Who was Harry Belafonte? Counterfeiting Overview, Types & Examples | What is Forgery? Ma Rainey was known as The Mother of Blues. After years of success travelling the South, Midwest, and Mexico, the Raineys separated, and Ma Rainey kickstarted her solo tour. Ebisu Overview & Mythology | Who is the Japanese God Ebisu? Boogeyman: Legend, Names & Appearance | Who is the Boogeyman? Angela Y. Davis, Blues Legacies and Black Feminism: Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, Bessie Smith, and Billie Holiday (New York: Pantheon, 1998). If youve heard anything about Netflixs Ma Raineys Black Bottom, youve likely heard about the stupendous performances fanning the flames of well-deserved Oscar nominations, or about the unique legacy of this film as the late Chadwick Bosemans final on-screen role. Hanafi, Islamic School of Thought: Origin & Beliefs | What is Hanafi? Himeros, God of Sexual Desire: Mythology & Traits | Who was Himeros? Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. Rothschild Family History & Facts | Who are the Rothschilds? Prayer Wheel History & Significance | Prayer Wheels in Buddhism. Just-World Phenomenon: Theory & Examples | What is the Just-World Hypothesis? Parthenon Marbles: History & Collections | The Parthenon Sculptures, Chesapeake & Delaware Canal | Overview, History & Construction, City of Boerne v. Flores | Summary, Annotations & Facts, Great Stupa at Sanchi | History, Description & Facts, Lotus Temple History & Facts | Baha'i House of Worship in New Delhi. Songs without any twelve-bar or eight-bar structure are classified as non-blues. The down-home blues were largely improvised, seldom written down. Rainey's songs were both distinct in sound and content. Shona: Overview, Language & Culture | Shona People of Zimbabwe. Egalitarianism Concept, Types & Examples | What is an Egalitarian? Flag of Bhutan Overview & Facts | Symbolism of the Bhutanese Flag. Skull and Bones History & Overview | What is Order 322? ", The "Mother of the Blues" first appeared on stage in 1900. Ket People: History, Culture & Language | Who are the Ket People? City Beautiful Movement | Origin, Purpose & Architecture. Greek Orthodox Church Overview & Facts | Greek Orthodox Religion & Beliefs. Epistle to the Ephesians in the Bible | Summary, Author & Purpose, Gospel of Mark History, Composition & Facts | The Book of Mark. Anthony Burgess Life, Career & Books | Who was Anthony Burgess? Rainey has been portrayed in several films including the 2020 Academy Award-winning Netflix film Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. [31], Unlike many blues singers of her day, Rainey wrote at least a third of the songs she sang including many of her most famous works such as "Moonshine Blues" and "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" which would become standards of the "classic blues" genre. Satanism Beliefs, Types & Rituals | What Do Satanists Believe? Panthon Overview & History | Where is the Panthon in Paris? [52], Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, a 1982 play by August Wilson, is a fictionalized account of a recording of her song of the same title set in 1927. Deacon: Role Origin & Traditions | What is a Deacon? Autophobia Characteristics & Examples | What is Autophobia? "[30] At the time, an ad for the song embraced the genderbending outlined in the lyrics and featured Rainey in a three-piece suit, mingling with women while a police officer lurks nearby. Chakra Origins & Symbolism | The Importance of Chakras in Healing, Ecstasy of Saint Teresa by Bernini | Statue, Construction & Analysis. Good News Club v. Milford Central School | Summary & Case Brief, Hanuman Overview & Facts | Anjaneya Swamy in Hinduism, St Matthew Passion by Johann Sebastian Bach | Music, Text & Legacy, Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable by Damien Hirst | Art, Film & Issues. Wintering in New Orleans, she met numerous musicians, including Joe "King" Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet and Pops Foster. Leur rencontre marque l'irruption de cette musique, bien avant que les bluesmen du Delta en revendiquent la dcouverte. Benten, Japanese Goddess: Overview & Symbols | Who is Benten? Mikvah, Jewish Ritual Bath: Overview & Rules | What is a Mikvah? Law of Excluded Middle: Overview & Examples | Excluded Middle Overview. Red Square Overview & History | What is the Red Square in Moscow? Egyptian Ennead Origin & History | Who are the Nine Gods of Egypt? Ma didnt often have a skilled jazz band to accompany her, but a primitive assemblage of jugs, kazoo, banjo, tinny piano and musical saw. Sister of Essie Pridgett; Thomas M. Pridgett, Jr.; unknown Pridgett and Malissa Nix. Tabula Rasa Overview & Blank Slate | What is Tabula Rasa? Raised by minstrel performers in Columbus, a central stop on the minstrel show tour, Rainey quickly became acquainted with the lifestyle of a performer. In her song titled Prove It on Me, Ma sings, Went out last night with a crowd of my friends. Yuga Cycle in Hinduism | History, Structure & Significance. Kraken Overview, History & Facts | What is the Sea Monster Kraken? New Apostolic Church | History, Beliefs & Facts. Samoans History, Culture & Facts | Who are the Samoan People? She later claimed that she was first exposed to blues music around 1902. Mother of Danny Rainey Faunus the Roman God Origin & Mythology | Who Was the God Faunus? Seraph Overview, Significance & Facts | What are Seraphim? Religion of the Kurdish People | Overview, History & List. They joined acts in 1904 and travelled together for over ten years. Execution by Hanging | Origin, History & Examples. 'Ma Rainey's coming to town, the boss blues singer.' And you respect Ma." Myths: Interpretations & Examples | What is Mythology? Rightly Guided Caliphs History & Role | What is the Rashidun? The couple hit the road, performing song-and-dance routines for a variety of black minstrel troupes that worked under tents. Soul Overview, Theories & Facts | What is the Human Soul? Poet Sterling A. Ma Rainey, Blues Singer: Career & Life | Who was Ma Rainey? Cognition Facts, Function & Examples | What is Cognition in Psychology? Ouija Board Overview & History | Are Spirit Boards Real? Israeli Currency History & Modern Use | What is a Shekel? Sir Galahad Origin, Legends & Quest | Who was the Son of Sir Lancelot? [31], Her signature low and gravelly voice sung with Rainey's gusto and authoritative style inspired imitators from Louis Armstrong, Janis Joplin and Bonnie Raitt among others. In 1906, they joined the Rabbit Foot Minstrels, then the nations most esteemed traveling minstrel troupe. Whatever you heard before, it was not the bluesbecause no one else sang the blues like Ma Rainey.. Soon afterwards, she joined a tent show. Judith Slaying Holofernes by Artemisia Gentileschi | Art, Story & Artist. Viola Davis portrayed Rainey in the 2020 film adaptation of the play and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress. Kemetic Symbols Origins & Examples | What are Kemetic Symbols? Gospel of Matthew | Origin, Summary & Significance, Book of Obadiah in the Hebrew Bible | Summary & Context, Amen Overview, Usage & Facts | Origin of Amen, Haman the Agagite in the Biblical Book of Esther | Analysis & Facts. Soren Kierkegaard Life, Philosophy & Books | Who was Kierkegaard? Egyptian Scarab Beetle Symbol & Significance | What is a Scarab? Crips Gang History & Locations | Who are the Crips? When the blues faded from popularity in the Thirties, the earthy Ma Rainey returned home to her Georgia hometown, where she ran two theaters. Dorsey entered Rainey's world in 1924. Wife of William "Pa" Rainey and unknown unknown Set over the course of a single afternoon, the film is an impactful one. One of five children of Thomas and Ella Allen Pridgett, Ma Rainey was born Gertrude Pridgett in Columbus, Georgia, on April 26, 1886. Christian Science Beliefs & Origin | What is Christian Science? Heka, Egyptian God of Magic & Medicine | Origin, Mythology & Facts. There is uncertainty about the birth date of Gertrude Pridgett. Matins Overview, History & Significance | What is Matins? Palatine Chapel: History & Design | Where is the Palatine Chapel? When Rainey finally arrives, a heated conflict erupts between everyone presentone that wrestles with the complexities of racism and artistic exploitation. The Graces of Greek Mythology: Origin & Role | What are the Charites? Dubbed the Mother of the Blues, GertrudeMaRainey had a powerful voice, charismatic stage presence, and a moaning style of singing that became popular with her many fans. Minstrel performers Thomas and Ella Pridgett welcomed their Gertrude Malissa Nix Pridgett (famously known as Ma Rainey) on April 26, 1886, in Columbus, Georgia. The Rosary: Prayers & Beads | What is the Rosary? Tonga History, Culture & People | Where is Tonga Located? Curry: Origin, Types & Ingredients | What is in a Curry? She retired back to Columbus and died of a heart attack. Inspiration for James Bond: People & History | Who is Bond Based On? 12 Labors of Hercules: Myth & History | Why Did Hercules Do 12 Labors? Holy Days of Obligation | Origin, Significance & List, Feast of Corpus Christi | History, Timing & Celebration, Exaltation of the Holy Cross: History & Traditions | Holy Cross Day. China's Three Gorges Dam | Location, Construction & Facts, Christian Religious Symbols | Origin, History & Examples, Analysis of Citizen Kane | Summary, Context & Quotes. Kami History, Belief & Ceremonies | What are Kami in Shintoism? [29] The political activist and scholar Angela Y. Davis noted that "'Prove It on Me' is a cultural precursor to the lesbian cultural movement of the 1970s, which began to crystallize around the performance and recording of lesbian-affirming songs. Great Seal of the United States | Overview, Symbolism & Facts. Adopted a son Danny, billed as "the world's greatest juvenile stepper." view all Danny Rainey's Timeline. Animal Husbandry History & Process | What is Animal Agriculture? Some sources indicate that she was born in 1882, while most sources assert that she was born on April 26, 1886. Njord Origins & Mythology | Who is the Norse God of the Sea? Join Facebook to connect with Dan Rainey and others you may know. Ranking of Nobles: Overview, Hierarchy & Titles | British Peerage System. Switch to the light mode that's kinder on your eyes at day time. Carnival History, Festival & Countries | When is Carnival Season? From Ma Rainey: The Life and Music of The Mother of the Blues byJas Obrecht. A&E Television Networks. They must've been women, 'cause I don't like no men. Sudan Population, People & Language | Where is Sudan? [11], Pridgett began her career as a performer at a talent show in Columbus, Georgia, when she was approximately 12 to 14 years old. Ma Rainey married Will "Pa" Rainey, a fellow vaudeville comedian, singer, and dancer. Septuagint Overview, History & Facts | What is the Septuagint? Ma alleged that she was born on April 26, 1886, in Columbus, Georgia. Halacha Overview, Rules & History | What is Jewish Law? Shortly after beginning her career, [Gertrude Pridgett] met the man who would become her husband. Encyclopedia History, Examples & Facts | What is an Encyclopedia? Secondary Education Grades & Examples | What is Secondary School? Just War Theory History & Principles | What is the Just War Theory? Filial Piety: Concept, History, & Texts | What is the Virtue of Xiao? The History of Egyptian Carvings | Characteristics, Materials & Significance. Year of Jubilee History & Significance | What is the Jubilee? Panpsychism Origin & Theory | What is Panpsychism? Baruch Spinoza Life, Ethics & Philosophy | Who was Baruch Spinoza? (bio by: Paul G. Healy), From Rock & Roll Hall of Fame - Ma Rainey Bio, In 1914, she and her husband began touring as Rainey and Rainey, Assassinators of the Blues. After her relationship with Paramount ended, Rainey returned to making a living on the declining tent show circuit, but the living was rough: she cooked her meals on a camp stove and cobbled her costumes together from scraps of old dresses. The Gambia History, People & Language | Where is Gambia Located? Orishas: Myths & Beliefs | What are Orishas in African Religions? Easter Vigil History, Practices & Facts | What is the Paschal Vigil? Nicene Creed History & Facts | What is the Nicene Creed? Prophecy: Purpose, Beliefs & Religion | What is a Prophecy? Libya Facts, Population & People | Where is Libya? Wroclaw Overview, History & Map | Where is Wroclaw? She joined the Friendship Baptist Church, where her brother was a deacon. Nazarene Beliefs & History | What is the Church of the Nazarene? God in Christianity: Attributes & Depiction | Are God & Jesus the Same? They became so close that rumors circulated that their relationship was possibly also romantic in nature. Buryat History, Language & Culture | Who are the Buryat People? In 1994, the U.S. Post Office issued a Rainey 29-cent commemorative postage stamp. Channel Tunnel Overview & Facts | How Long is the Chunnel? Cerberus in Greek Mythology | The Three-Headed Dog. Projection in Psychology Overview & Examples | What is Projection? Phreaking Purpose & Examples | What is Phreaking? Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. ILTS School Counselor (235): Test Practice and Study Guide, ILTS Music (143): Test Practice and Study Guide, DSST Introduction to World Religions: Study Guide & Test Prep, Introduction to World Religions: Certificate Program, Sociology for Teachers: Professional Development, Gerontology for Teachers: Professional Development, UExcel Introduction to Sociology: Study Guide & Test Prep, General Anthropology for Teachers: Professional Development, Counseling Fundamentals for Teachers: Professional Development, Freedom from Self-Incrimination: Definition & Overview, Freedom from Unreasonable Search and Seizure: Definition & Amendment, The Establishment Clause: Definition & Cases, Apportionment: Definition, Methods & Process, Grassroots Lobbying: Definition and Mass Mobilization, What Is Gun Control? She accepted his proposal, and became Ma to his Pa. Masochism in Psychology: Behaviors & Examples | What is Sexual Masochism Disorder? But She Broke More Than Musical Barriers", "Who Is Ma Rainey? Husband of Gertrude "Ma" Rainey Oktoberfest History, Tradition & Facts | When is Oktoberfest? Oman History, People & Facts | Where is Oman Located?