Ma Rainey

Gertrude Pridgett, or 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 was billed as "The Mother of the Blues". She did much to develop and popularize the form and was an important influence on younger blues women, such as Bessie Smith, and their careers.