Ma Rainey: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1990

Her life and career in links.

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/ma-rainey/bio/

Ma Raney began performing at 14. She later joined the Rabbit Foot Minstrels and probably coached Bessie Smith.

In 1923, she signed her first record deal.

Bo-Weevil Blues (1923):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtkRYR3NUEM

Moonshine Blues (1923):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3xZa1ShIlU

See See Rider (1924):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9duTAcatzIM

Jelly Bean Blues w/Louis Armstrong (1924):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLkOJ3rhbg4

Black Bottom (1927):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fizLgmUHmw

Soon This Morning (1927):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WCxokAmEv8

When she finished her record contract, she was let go. Music styles had changed. She toured until 1935 and then retired.
Ma Rainey died in 1939.