Women's History Month Featured Leader: Ma Rainey

In March, we’re featuring an influential woman every day in honor of Women’s History Month.
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Today we’re celebrating:

Ma Rainey

Blues pioneer (1886 – 1939)
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• One of the earliest African-American professional blues singers and one of the first generation of blues singers to record
• Toured with groups before starting her own
• Known for powerful vocals and lively personality, Rainey’s lyrics sometimes refer to lesbianism and bisexuality
• Made over 100 recordings and wrote many original songs
• Incorporated blues into her early songs and defined the classic blues of the 1920s