Rainey, Ma, 1886-1939

Ma Rainey (b. Gertrude Pridgett, April 26, 1886, Columbus, GA-d. Dec. 22, 1939, Rome, GA) was one of the earliest African-American professional blues singers and one of the first generation of blues singers to record. She was first exposed to blues music around 1902 and soon after formed the Alabama Fun Makers Company with her husband, Will Rainey. In 1906, both joined Pat Chappelle's Rabbit's Foot Company. Ma Rainey was discovered by Paramount Records producer J. Mayo Williams in 1923, signed a recording contract with them, and made eight recordings in Chicago. In 1924, she made recordings with Louis Armstrong and also toured with the Theater Owners Booking Association; bandleader and pianist Thomas Dorsey and the Wildcats Jazz Band accompanied her. Dorsey left the group in 1926 and was replaced as pianist by Lillian Hardaway Henderson.