Gertrude Malissa Nix Pridgett Rainey also known as Ma Rainey, was not only the first female vocalist to incorporate blues into her act (vaudeville?), but she also takes credit for calling it the blues! Before then blues was known as field hollers or moaning. There is a fascinating image of that historical time here at the Blues images web site. How wonderfully times have changed. Things just keep getting better too – there is this clip from Travelin’ Trains, an award winning movie, featuring Rosemarie Rainey playing the part of her Grandmother.
How accurately Rosemarie portrayed Ma Rainey is the subject of some debate – you can make up your own mind by picking up one of these cd’s from Amazon.com.
Now just for you loyal readers who are playing close attention The entire Travelin’ Trains film is actually available free from caachi.com ! How cool is that!