Ma. Rainey, born Gertrude Malissa Nix Pridgett, April 26, 1886, was one of the first recorded Blues singers of the 20th century. Her deep, soulful voice is as distinctive as her lyrics, that were considered controversial at the time. Although she is known as “The Mother of The Blues”, her sound laid the foundation for much of the early jazz vocal style. She recorded with Louis Armstrong, and was a big influence on the work of Bob Dylan.

In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, talks about the life and legacy of Ma. Rainey, and highlights what her approach to her art can teach us today.

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