Ma Rainey

USA, 1904–1939

American singer (1886-1939), billed as the Mother of the Blues and among the first blues performers to record. She toured in tent shows with the young Bessie Smith and recorded extensively for Paramount.

MusicRoots documents 0 artists who influenced Ma Rainey and 3 artists Ma Rainey influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Which artists did Ma Rainey influence?

• Bessie Smith — Ma Rainey was Bessie Smith's early mentor, taking her on tour and teaching her the classic blues tradition.
• Sister Rosetta Tharpe — Ma Rainey's classic blues tradition was a formative influence on Tharpe's expressive style.
• Janis Joplin — Ma Rainey is the root of the classic blues vocal tradition Joplin drew from through Bessie Smith.