On April 26, 1886, Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, known as the “Mother of the Blues,” was born in Columbus, Georgia. With a powerful voice and theatrical stage presence, Rainey helped shape the foundation of the blues genre in the early 20th century. She recorded over 90 songs between 1923 and 1928, often blending blues with vaudeville and Southern traditions. Her work paved the way for generations of musicians, including Bessie Smith, who Rainey mentored. More than a performer, Ma Rainey was a cultural force who brought Black women’s voices, experiences, and defiance to the center stage of American music.
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