Interview
Q: Growing up as a child, what motivated you to have such an interest in the arts?
A: Well, hon., times weren’t as easy as they are today. Growing up in the world war one-era was not easy for many African Americans. We [African Americans] were treated as if we were still back in the slave days. Beat, hung, killed… tortured in all ways possible. The second child out of five kids, money wasn’t easy to get either. Times were very hard.
But through it all; family. Family is what moved me. We stayed together through tick and thin. At the age of 14 I began performing with my family in Minstvel, shows. Although back in that time things were still becoming accomplished, arts were the only thing keeping me on the right kind of path.
2
Q: Was there any specific part your counselor or mentor played in helping you flourish the interet and talents you have today as an artist?
A: There weren’t any specific people, because so many people played so many important roles that were all so extraordinary. One friend that I showed consideration to was Bessie smith. She was a rough, crude, and violent woman. But also one of my greatest friends, as well as the greatest classic blue singer of the 1920s.
Louis satchmo Armstrong, tommy ladnier, fletcher Henderson, and cloeman Hawkins were a few more artists who imposed me to strive for the success I have acheieved today. All the advice I would give to the young folks is to always chase your dream and stick with what you believe in.
3
Q: what was the humanity of adroitness like in your distinct art field when you entered it?
A: arts have been changed from the year I was born to the years I have aged. As I said before the times when blacks tried to become fortunate were not like a walk in the park. White record company’s did not except people of color. At the age of 16 I herd my first blues song, from their own I took on the life of becoming a blues singer. I portrayed some of the styles in my performances and till then my life changed forever.
In 1900 I worked at the Springer Opera House. Oh I loved that place it open February 21, 1817. I remember the date like it was yesterday. In Columbus Georgia as a singer and a dancer in the local talent show “a bunch of black berries”… the best days of my life. That how life pretty much is made for…
4
Q: how did major cultural and or educational economic and civil problems of the time impacted your work?
A: my education was ok so there really was know problem. I knew how to manage my money and make good choices. I managed to build and operate two theaters I also owned my own home in Columbus Georgia. You know every body wanted what was called “a white man’s education” but I made the best out of the education we had.
With a white man’s education there was a better chance to learn more deep about the music world. Mama always said I came out sangin”. I can say one thing coming from nothing, God has surely blessed me and my loved ones. The things we have accomplished and many more blessings to come. The prayer of my family helped
5
Q:what are some major accomplishments and sources you used in your arts?
A:ha well really one big major accomplishments was me taking that next step. Challenging myself to go to the next level. In 1923 when I joined paramount, I ended up recording 100 songs. Between the years 1923 and 1928. songs such as black dust blues black eye blues blame it on the blues daddy goodbye blues and ma rainey black bottom.
I also was a blues singer for more than a quarter of a century the was also a big wow for me. But sadly during the 1930s the blues was slowly fadeing away. And I soo had to settle down and take some time alone.
6:Q; what turning points changed your life?
A: this question is pretty self telling my husband the rock and my sward.
7
Q:What self explained choices helped you to become a singer?
A: some self explained choices that helped…was being a performer being in preduction such a rabbit foot minterls. Reaching my dream have I goal in life and reaching for the higst star possible. There is nothing mor self explained than my parents they help me strive for my dream. Bessie if it wasn’t for her I would not have known what I know now. I can be some one eles guide.My husband, my world, the love of my life him… he made us ma and pa rainey.
8 and 9
Q:what things in the road tried to stop you from being successful?
A: really as I said many times being African American that is really the only thing that can stop a person from reaching their goal
10
Q: Are there any past memories that explains how you became so successful in what you do?
A: Well every memory counts. I have recorded so many songs worked with so many other artist but one the very special one is the day I billed as the “mother of blues”. Wow… their can be nothing more to explain why I’m so good at what I do. To be successful is to be commited. In 1923 I was signed a contract with the famous Paramount Records. I was widely recognized as the first great female blues vocalist.
Another big one for me was doing “a bunch of black berries” a talent show as I mentioned before because if I hadn’t started so young I would be so dedicated as I am today. Now you see back in my teen age years their was nothing, I’m pretty sure the television had not been thought of. Dancin’ n sangain’ the tings I live for. Last I can thank god for what he put me through. Thank you.
-mother of blues: a study of ma rainey by: sandra r lieb
- blues legacies and black feminism gertude Ma rainey, bessie smith and billie holiday by: angela yvonne davis
-ma rainey's black botton by: august wilson
-http://redhotjazz.com/rainey.html
-www.columbusga.com
-http://libary.thikquest.org
-http://www.squidoo.com/ma-rainey
-http://www.biography.com
-http://www.jasobrecht.com
-august wilson century cycle: ma raineys black bottom By: august wilson, jhon lahe, and larry fishburre
2011-04-15
2011-04-13
Introduction
Hello there! My name is Ma Rainey but my maiden name is Getrude Pridgett... i love to dance and sing those things are what I live for. I am a famous african american blues singer, you know i was born in to a real show biz family. In 1900 was my first real performance, at 14 I did fantastic! have you ever heard of Ma Rainey Black Bottom? Yupp thats me dancin' and a singing. Wow these good days... i've also been called the "mother of blues". My most popular songs are... Black Dust Blues and Black Eye Blues.Welll i'd sure hope to here from ya soon!
2011-03-14
2011-03-10
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About Me
- Ma Rainey
- Hello there! My name is Ma Rainey but my maiden name is Getrude Pridgett... i love to dance and sing those things are what I live for. I am a famous african american blues singer, you know i was born in to a real show biz family. In 1900 was my first real performance, at 14 I did fantastic! have you ever heard of Ma Rainey Black Bottom? Yupp thats me dancin' and a singing. Wow these good days... i've also been called the "mother of blues". My most popular songs are... Black Dust Blues and Black Eye Blues.