Hollywood is Back!
The three most influential women of the 20th century
Ma Rainey
Ma Rainey was named “Mother of the Blues.” She was nicknamed Ma Rainey because she married a minstrel performer she worked with. His nickname was Pa so she soon became Ma. Many performers now a days give themselves nicknames to be known by. Ma Rainey also had a very powerful voice with a certain growl to it. When her band performed “Kansas City Blues” and the microphone went out she was still able to be heard over the band playing. Her voice was so loud people could hear her outside of the tent. Ma Rainey’s growl also influenced others. Big Mama Thornton, Christina Aguilera, Beyoncé, and Jennifer Hudson all have a growl much like Ma Rainey’s. Back in 1900 R&b was for African American country people. Since Ma Rainey could connect so well with her audience she was able to take R&B form the country and spread it around the whole nation.