Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2024
Abstract
The blues is a rich musical tradition based in the music styling of African Americans in the Deep South circa 1860. With origins in spirituals, work songs, and field hollers, the blues offers a glimpse into the lives and struggles of African Americans. One of the earliest pioneers in the blues was Columbus native, Gertrude "Ma" Rainey. Known as the "Mother of Blues", Ma Rainey left an indelible mark on audiences she performed for and musicians she worked with. However, when she passed away in her hometown of Columbus, Georgia, a local newspaper obituary listed her occupation as a "housekeeper," completely minimizing her prowess as a successful blues singer and businesswoman. It also misrepresents how much the city of Columbus cares about Rainey. Ma Rainey's success is an incredible story that our community takes pride in, celebrating her with a museum and a school named after her. In reviewing the previous writings about Ma Rainey and her legacy, many historians tend to focus on the effect she had on other musicians during her life such as "Blues Empress" Bessie Smith or the ways in which her lyrics showcase aspects of feminism often not highlighted. There is a considerable lack of an updated, biographical look at Rainey's legacy or one that highlights her impact on her hometown of Columbus. In my paper, I seek to remedy both issues. Using primary sources provided by the Columbus State University Archives and media/literature from when Rainey was alive as well as supplementary secondary sources. I have attempted to provide a view of her legacy as it evolved overtime, comparing and contrasting Rainey's national legacy to her local legacy.
Recommended Citation
Brundidge, Zachary, "More Than Just Her Black Bottom: An Exploration and Analysis of the Legacy of Gertrude "Ma" Rainey" (2024). CSU Tower Day. 12.
https://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/towerday/12
