Ma Rainy

Ma Rainy, a famous female blues singer born in the late 1800's, is often known as the "Mother of the Blues." She reached her peak of popularity in the 1920's, and during this time recorded over 100 songs. As her nickname indicates, Rainy was largely responsible for the popularity of the blues in America. Without Rainy, blues may never have become the popular music form in America that it was in the early 20th century, and Paramount Records (the company that she was signed to) may never have become the major record label that it did. She clearly held a great deal of influence over the music of her time. Many people look at blues as a root for a great deal of popular American Music that came after it. Both the Blues Foundation's Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have inducted her into their memberships because of her work and its influence on early rock and roll. Ma Rainy's music has great influence over much of the music that is well known and appreciated today.

Blackwell, Amy Hackney. "Ma Rainey." American History. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 2 Feb. 2010. http://www.americanhistory.abc-clio.com/.