Caption
"Mother of the Blues," Ma Rainey.
Number
2859
Prompt
Ma Rainey's elaborate necklace could sparkle, and the feathers in her headband could rustle. She could tap her foot to a steady blues rhythm and give a confident, knowing smile. The background could take on the warm, hazy glow of a Southern juke joint.
Body
This stamp celebrates Gertrude "Ma" Rainey (1886-1939), a foundational figure in the history of the blues. Rainey began her career in the early 1900s, performing in minstrel shows and vaudeville. She was one of the first artists to record the blues, and her records were highly successful. Rainey's music was raw and powerful, and her lyrics often spoke of the struggles and triumphs of African American life. She was a mentor to the young Bessie Smith and a major influence on countless other blues and jazz musicians.