By Lex Pryor Apr 16, 2021, 6:00am EDT. Samson in the Bible: Story & Delilah | Who was Samson in the Bible? Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. Orr, N. L.. "Gertrude "Ma" Rainey (1886-1939)." Avesta Overview & Facts | Sacred Texts of Zoroastrianism. Her parents, Thomas and Ella (Allen) Pridgett, were minstrel performers. Yom Kippur History & Significance | What is Yom Kippur? Nephilim Overview & Facts | Who were the Nephilim in the Bible? Hong Kong Facts & Population | Where is Hong Kong? This genre blend emphasized by Rainey's booming voice created a truly unique sound. Avar History, Culture & Facts | Who are the Avar People? Over the next five years, Rainey would record many hits, such as ''Moonshine Blues'' and ''Shave 'Em Dry.'' Pelagianism: History & Beliefs | What was the Pelagian Heresy? Mass Overview, Order & Practices | What is a Holy Mass? [14] She continued with the Rabbit's Foot Company after it was taken over by a new owner, F. S. Wolcott, in 1912. Book of Hours: Purpose, History & Imagery | What is a Book of Hours? Daphne D. Harrison, Black Pearls: Blues Queens of the 1920s (New Brunswick, N.J.: Rutgers University Press, 1988). Suits in Playing Cards: Overview, Symbols & Order | What is a Suit? Behemoth Overview, Mythology & Description | What is a Behemoth? Her first recording was made in 1923. Entablature Overview & Purpose | What is an Entablature in Architecture? Experimental Psychology Overview & Research | Famous Psychology Experiments, Business Communication Overview & Importance | Communication in Business, Identity Management in Communication | Overview, Theory & Strategies. Sure got to prove it on me. Along the way, Rainey's boisterous reputation preceded her. [44], Rainey was also a fashion icon who pioneered flashy, expensive costuming in her performances, wearing ostrich plumes, satin gowns, sequins, gold necklaces, diamond tiaras, and gold teeth. Prayer Wheel History & Significance | Prayer Wheels in Buddhism. Ma Rainey was born Gertrude Malissa Nix Pridgett in Columbus, Georgia on April 26, 1886. ", The "Mother of the Blues" first appeared on stage in 1900. Sources are unclear on the exact date and circumstances under which Rainey and Smith met, but it was probably sometime between 1912 and 1916. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. Pines of Rome by Ottorino Respighi | Overview, Movements, & Performances. [5] Rainey was known for her powerful vocal abilities, energetic disposition, majestic phrasing, and a "moaning" style of singing. The History of Egyptian Carvings | Characteristics, Materials & Significance. Shabbat Purpose, History & Practice | What is Shabbat? Yoga Philosophy: Origins & Principles | What is Yoga Philosophy? Crucifixion History & Examples | What is Crucifixion? Hephaestus & Aphrodite Marriage & Myth | Why Did Aphrodite Marry Hephaestus? The Book of Psalms: Origin, Summary & Analysis | What is a Psalm? The Most Influential Female Blues Musicians - yahoo.com Purim: Jewish Holiday Facts, Traditions & Importance | What is Purim? Celtic Paganism History, Deities & Facts | Ancient Celtic Religion. Image Credit: geni.com Alienation Overview & Philosophy | What is Alienation? [31], Academy Award winner Mo'Nique played Ma Rainey in the 2015. Odia Language & Writing System | What is the Odia Language? Page 18. Buckingham Palace: History & Design | Where is Buckingham Palace? By the 1920s, the American musical landscape was undergoing important shifts. Michel Nostradamus Life & Predictions | Who was Nostradamus? Law of Excluded Middle: Overview & Examples | Excluded Middle Overview. Habituation Overview & Examples | What is Habituation in Psychology? Her qualities are present and most evident in her early recordings "Bo-Weevil Blues" and "Moonshine Blues". Animal Worship: Overview, History & Facts | What is Zoolatry? Madagascar Facts, Population & People | Where is Madagascar? Celtic Goddess Brigid | Origin, Symbols & Mythology, Chang'e, Chinese Goddess of the Moon | Origin, Mythology & Role. The Nuer People of South Sudan | Language, Facts & Traditions, Norfolk and Western Railway | History, Location & Logo, Umbanda Religion | History, Beliefs & Ceremonies. One of five children of Thomas and Ella Allen Pridgett, Ma Rainey was born Gertrude Pridgett in Columbus, Georgia, on April 26, 1886. The couple were hard-working, charming, and popular, managing to make a career out of Gertrudes soulful and often funny singing style for more than thirty years. Danny Rainey is 41 years old and was born on 02/01/1980. Kuwait Facts, Population & People | Where is Kuwait? Strain Theory Overview, Examples & Facts | What is Strain Theory? She garnered fandom with her stylish clothing and jewelry, gold teeth, and most importantly, her ability to create a kind of friendship between herself and the audience. I feel like its a lifeline. Futurism Art Movement, Painters & Paintings | What is Futurism? The blues queen was born Lillie Mae Glover and took the name Ma Rainey II in 1939 following the death of the original Ma Rainey, whose style she emulated. She retired back to Columbus and died of a heart attack. She then recorded various songs under the name of Ma Rainey and her Georgia Jazz Band. Photo de Todd Wawrychuk/AMPAS via Getty Images . South African Flag History | Colors, Symbols & Significance. Good News Club v. Milford Central School | Summary & Case Brief, Hanuman Overview & Facts | Anjaneya Swamy in Hinduism, St Matthew Passion by Johann Sebastian Bach | Music, Text & Legacy, Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable by Damien Hirst | Art, Film & Issues. They became so close that rumors circulated that their relationship was possibly also romantic in nature. She was inducted into theBlues Foundations Hall of Fame(in 1983) and theRock and Roll Hall of Fame(in 1990). Rial Currency: History & Facts | What is the Iranian Rial? Loch Ness Monster Sightings & Legend | What is Nessie? Apocrypha Overview & Books | What is the Apocrypha? Raised by minstrel performers in Columbus, a central stop on the minstrel show tour, Rainey quickly became acquainted with the lifestyle of a performer. Samadhi Overview, Significance & Facts | What is Samadhi? Goddess Oshun: Origin, Symbol & Significance | Who is Oshun? Colonel Military Rank: History & Insignia | What is a Colonel? Azerbaijan History, People & Facts | Where is Azerbaijan Located? Painting Techniques | Types, Styles & Tips, Naxalite-Maoist Insurgency: History & Leaders | Naxalism in India. Chinese Qi Overview & Significance | What is Qi Energy? Tirthankara in Jainism: Overview, History & List | What are Jinas? Candlemas Origin & History | What is Candlemas? Tara the Buddhist Goddess | Origin, Mythology & Forms. Hajj Overview & History | What is the Hajj Pilgrimage? Cathars Overview, History & Beliefs | What is Catharism? Unicorn Overview, Mythology & Symbolism | What is a Unicorn? Archangel Overview, Functions & Roles | Who are the Archangels? The Rapture Belief: Overview & History | What is the Rapture? Five Families Overview, History & Bosses | Italian American Mafia. Ma Rainey was the first popular stage entertainer to incorporate authentic blues into her song repertoire. Rainey developed a relationship with Bessie Smith. 12 May 2015. San People: History, Tribe & Facts | Who are the San People? Gaslighting Origin, Examples & Facts | What is Gaslighting? copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. Geodesic Dome Invention & Architecture | What is a Geodesic Dome? Ma Rainey was known as The. Moloch: History & Theories | Who is Moloch in the Bible? Hyacinthus Overview & Symbolism | Who is Hyacinthus in Greek Mythology? Dianic Wicca Origins & Beliefs | What is Dianic Wicca? Gods of Fertility Overview & Facts | What is a Fertility Deity? Ancient Greek Alphabet History & Facts | What are the Greek Letters? Tisiphone in Greek Mythology | Origin, Sisters & Role, Lugh, Celtic God | Origin, Role & Mythology. Ma Rainey, ne Gertrude Pridgett, (born April 26, 1886, Columbus, Georgia, U.S.died December 22, 1939, Columbus), American singer who was known as the "mother of the blues" and who was recognized as the first great professional blues vocalist. Occult History, Practices & Facts | What is Occultism? In 1914, they struck out on their own, touring under the name Rainey and Rainey, Assassinators of the Blues. World Athletics History & Purpose | What is the IAAF? Irredentism Overview, Purpose & Examples | What is Irredentism? Safavid Architecture | History, Facts & Examples. Mayor History, Duties & Responsibilities | What Does a Mayor Do? Anarcho-Communism: Overview & Beliefs | What is Anarchist Communism? Thomas Jefferson Architecture: Overview & Examples | Was Thomas Jefferson an Architect? Are they pretty? Joe Louis, Boxer: Life & Career | Who was Joe Louis? Living Theatre: Overview, History & Founders | What is the Living Theatre? United Press International Origin & Significance | What is UPI? Gertrude Rainey (Pridgett) (1886 - 1939) - Genealogy - geni family tree Nihilist Beliefs, Facts & Overview | What is Nihilism? Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn | Origin, Role & Beliefs, Excommunication in the Catholic Church | Origin, Offenses & Examples. Baal God Origin & Biblical Significance | Who is Baal? Nataraja Overview, Mythology & Facts | Shiva as Lord of the Dance. However, the 1900 census stipulates that her date of birth could be somewhere in September of 1882 (inAlabama) instead. Islamism: Overview, History & Types | What is Islamism? Menorah History, Symbolism & Facts | What is a Menorah? Feminist Theory Models, Criticisms & Examples | What is Feminist Theory? General Will Overview & Significance | What is Rousseau's General Will? Coir Overview, Uses & Facts | What is Coconut Fiber? Legal Writs: Purposes, Types & Examples | What is a Court Writ? May Day History & Traditions | What is May Day? Il a reu une bonne note sur IMDb : 6.9 toiles sur 10. Allah Overview, Etymology & Facts | Who is God in Islam? Phreaking Purpose & Examples | What is Phreaking? Myths: Interpretations & Examples | What is Mythology? Qutub Minar: History, Significance & Facts | What is the Qutub Minar? Bridgewater Canal | Overview, History & Industrial Revolution. Brownie Folklore: Origin & History | What is a Brownie? Inspiration for James Bond: People & History | Who is Bond Based On? In addition, she is credited with mentoring many other influential female singers of her day, including Bessie Smith, another important Blues singer of the 20th century. Chakra Origins & Symbolism | The Importance of Chakras in Healing, Ecstasy of Saint Teresa by Bernini | Statue, Construction & Analysis. Mother of Danny Rainey Kwanzaa History, Traditions & Principles | Kwanzaa Overview. Autophobia Characteristics & Examples | What is Autophobia? Masochism in Psychology: Behaviors & Examples | What is Sexual Masochism Disorder? The Cross: Symbolism, Use & Designs | What Does the Cross Mean? M a Rainey, known as the "Mother of the Blues," isn't nearly as famous as the blues artists who built on her foundation, from Bessie Smith to Billie Holiday . In 1912, the Raineys met Bessie Smith, a new dancer for the Moses Stokes Troupe. Limited War Overview & Examples | Limited War vs. Total War. French Language: History & Countries | Official Language of France. Benefit of Clergy: Overview & Origin | What was the Benefit of Clergy? Broadway Street in New York City | Location, History & Impact, Trevi Fountain in Rome | Location, Construction & History, Basilica of Maxentius & Constantine | Architecture, Construction & Use. Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. Malleus Maleficarum History & Facts | What is the Hammer of Witches? Tabula Rasa Overview & Blank Slate | What is Tabula Rasa? Crips Gang Facts, Rivalries & History | What Does CRIP Stand For? Romance Language Overview & History | What are the Romance Languages? Holiness Code in Leviticus | Religion, Chapters & Themes, African Methodist Episcopal Church | History, Beliefs & Structure. Ma Rainey - La mre du blues - broch - Steven Jezo-Vannier - Achat Sobek: Characteristics, Myths & History | Who is the Egyptian Crocodile God? Eastern Woodlands Tribes & Culture | Where are the Eastern Woodlands? Ranching: History & Methods | What is Ranching? Early in 1904, Will Pa Rainey, a singer, dancer, and comedian, was smitten by Gertrudes charms. [34] Her style of blues was no longer considered fashionable by the label. The Great Depression ended her career as her fan base lost their ability to buy her records. Parthenon Marbles: History & Collections | The Parthenon Sculptures, Chesapeake & Delaware Canal | Overview, History & Construction, City of Boerne v. Flores | Summary, Annotations & Facts, Great Stupa at Sanchi | History, Description & Facts, Lotus Temple History & Facts | Baha'i House of Worship in New Delhi. Not only is she known as the ''Mother of Blues,'' but she is also the source of inspiration for August Wilson's 1988 play Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, which was adapted to film in 2020 starring Viola Davis. Given Names: History & Purpose | What is a Given Name? Les Demoiselles d'Avignon by Pablo Picasso | Overview, Significance & Facts. Genealogy for Danny Rainey (c.1907 - d.) family tree on Geni, with over 230 million profiles of ancestors and living relatives. Music Composition Methods & Types | What is Musical Composition? She was baptized into the First African Baptist Church. Daughter of John & Lettie Allen, Siblings: Thomas, Essie, unknown, Melissa "Lizzy" (Pridgett) Nix, husband: 1) William "Pa" Rainey 2) unknown, *With her broad, toothy smile, multidirectional horsehair wig and necklace of $20 gold coins, Rainey was a sight to behold. Chrysler Building Architecture & Facts | Style of Chrysler Building, Chaldean Catholic Church | Overview, History & Significance, Chinese Go: Game Overview & History | How To Play the Game of Go. Who Is Ma Rainey? Viola Davis's New Movie Honors a Real Figure Censure Overview, Politics & Purpose | What Does Censure Mean? The Untold Truth Of Ma Rainey - Grunge.com Tohono O'odham Culture & Facts | Who are the Tohono O'odham People? Roman Paganism: History, Gods & Beliefs | What was Roman Paganism? Hanukkah History, Facts & Traditions | What is Chanukah? Daniel "Danny" Kelly Rainey, 54, of Jackson passed away on Monday December 5, 2016. St. Patrick's Day Background & Facts | What is St. Patrick's Day? Wilsons play depicts a fictionalized afternoon in Raineys life, set on a sweltering summer day in Chicago circa 1927, with Rainey set to record a song titled Ma Raineys Black Bottom. Waiting at the run-down record studio for a tardy Rainey and her entourage are her Black band members, her white manager, and the white owner of the record label. She was raised by two vaudeville performers, so she began performing at age 14. That troupe is said to have featured Rainey singing the blues. Faunus the Roman God Origin & Mythology | Who Was the God Faunus? Rosh Hashanah Overview & Traditions | What is Rosh Hashanah? Nature Religion Overview, History & Facts | What is Nature Worship? A good businesswoman, Ma also owned two theaters in the area. Filioque History & Controversy | What is the Filioque Clause? Rainey developed a relationship with Bessie Smith. Shoe History, Types & Materials | When were Shoes First Made? History of Mental Health | Awareness, Timeline & Facts. These included the songs Bad Luck Blues, Bo-Weevil Blues and Moonshine Blues. Over the next five years, she recorded more than 100 songs for the label. In 1923, Rainey signed with Paramount Records. Dagon God History, Mythology & Facts | Who was Dagon in the Bible? Beit Din Rabbinical Court Origin & Purpose | What is Beit Din? Christian Democracy Political Movement |Origin, Beliefs & Mission. Crop Circles Causes & Examples | What are Crop Circles? Dome Overview, History & Types | What is a Dome in Architecture? Possibly the most significant of her recordings was ''See See Rider'' that was an already popular Blues number. Illusion Facts, Types & Examples | What is an Illusion in Psychology? Jizya Tax Origin & Purpose | What is Jizya? Lehigh Valley Railroad Overview & Facts | What was the Lehigh Valley Railroad? [10] It was also rumored that Smith once bailed Ma Rainey out of jail. Three Pilgrimage Festivals: Holidays & Facts | What is Shalosh Regalim? Messianic Secret in the Gospel of Mark | Motif History & Analysis. Caishen Origin, Mythology & Role | Chinese God of Money & Wealth. Laylat al-Qadr Significance & Origin | What is the Night of Power? Some scholars credit Rainey with mentoring Smith in her own sound while other scholars label their relationship as more personal in nature, possibly even romantic. Ma Rainey married Will "Pa" Rainey, a fellow vaudeville comedian, singer, and dancer. Greenland Facts, Population & Map | Where is Greenland? Who Was Ma Rainey's Real Band? | Den of Geek Zhejiang Province in China | History, Population & Language. Forgery Overview, Laws & Examples | What is Forgery? Chlo Zhao a remport le prix du meilleur ralisateur et son film Nomadland a remport le prix du meilleur film. Peasants: History & Facts | What is Peasantry? All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. She was then know as Ma even though the marriage did not last. [25] Dorsey left the group in 1926 because of ill health and was replaced as pianist by Lillian Hardaway Henderson, the wife of Rainey's cornetist Fuller Henderson, who became the band's leader.[26]. By 1914, they had formed their own group: Rainey and Rainey, Assassinators of the Blues. Bellona: Roman Goddess of War History & Beliefs | Who was Bellona? Church of Norway History, Beliefs & Facts | What is the Church of Norway? She was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. She accepted his proposal, and became "Ma" to his Pa. Maltese People: History & Culture | Who are the Maltese People? Her sturdy, tough vocals wiped away any memory of other blues singers. In her song titled Prove It on Me, Ma sings, Went out last night with a crowd of my friends. [10] She took on the stage name "Ma Rainey", which was "a play on her husband's nickname, 'Pa'". Canadian Thanksgiving History & Origin | What is Canadian Thanksgiving? Walter Benjamin Life, Philosophy & Work | Who was Walter Benjamin? By 1917 Ma [without Pa] was packing them in. Israel Religion: History & Facts | What is the Main Religion in Israel? Although the musicians on these albums innovated profoundly in the genres of jazz, gospel, and blues, they were often under-recognized and underpaid, receiving little credit or fame for their musicianship. Pongal History, Celebration & Facts | When is Pongal? "Mother of the Blues: A Study of Ma Rainey" By Sandra R. Lieb. 12 Labors of Hercules: Myth & History | Why Did Hercules Do 12 Labors? Immediate Family: Son of John Rainey and Jane Eccles. Therapeutic Modalities: Overview & Examples | Types of Counseling Modalities, Sociology vs. Epistle to the Galatians: Summary & Purpose | Who Wrote Galatians? [1][12] A member of the First African Baptist Church, she began performing in black minstrel shows. After their deaths, she relocated to Georgia and bought two theatres that she would run for the remainder of her life. Is Ma Raineys Black Bottom a True Story. Gog & Magog in the Bible | Overview, Facts & Theories, Gospel of Thomas: Overview, Composition & Facts | The Book of Thomas. Bayon Temple History & Facts | What is the Bayon Temple in Cambodia? Megalithic Monuments Overview & Examples | What is a Megalith? It was more raw and direct than the blues we now know. Episcopal Church History & Beliefs | What is the Episcopal Church? Apis: Egyptian God Facts & Symbolism | What is Apis the God of? Plutocracy Overview & Government | What is a Plutocracy? Hebrew Alphabet Overview & Chart | What Letters are in the Hebrew Alphabet? Gertrude 'Ma' Rainey - Prove It On Me Blues, The True Story of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Chadwick Boseman Lived by Truth and Service, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Chiron Origin & Greek Mythology | Who was Chiron? July Overview, Symbols & Facts | When is the Month of July? Anansi the Spider: Stories & Mythology | Who is Anansi? Scathach Mythology & Appearances | Who is Scathach in Celtic Mythology? Poaching History, Effects & Examples | What is Poaching? Different Religions of the World: Overview & Facts | Major Religious Beliefs. Year of Jubilee History & Significance | What is the Jubilee? Ma Rainey Bio, Net Worth, Facts, Death, Death Cause, Life Story Ma Rainey had an adopted son named Danny. Oroville Dam in California | Water Level, Construction & History, Feast of Christ the King | Overview, Origins & Observance, Liturgical Calendar | History, Feasts & Holy Days. Her influence stretches from musicians like Bessie Smith to Janis Joplin, to authors, including Alice Walker, author of The Color Purple. Demon King Ravana Mythology | Who is Ravana in Hinduism? Gods & Goddesses of Inca Empire | History, Mythology & Powers. Ma.Raineys.Black.Bottom.2020.FRENCH.720p.WEB.x264-EXTREMELes tensions s'exacerbent et les esprits s'chauffent au cours d'une sance d'enregistrement, dans le Chicago des annes 20, tandis que plusieurs musiciens attendent la lgendaire Ma Rainey, artiste avant-gardiste surnomme "la mre du blues". Learning Theory Overview & Types | What is Learning Theory in Psychology? She largely faded into obscurity until 1935, after the death of her mother and sister, when she returned to her hometown in Georgia and effectively retired from show business. Concept Facts, Function & Examples | What is a Concept in Psychology? Developmental Psychology | Overview, Stages & Periods, Executive Control in Psychology | Functions, Skills, & Disorders, Encoding Specificity Principle | Psychology Overview & Examples, Language in Psychology | Semantics, Syntax, Morphemes, & Phonemes, Reciprocal Altruism in Psychology | Theory, Importance & Examples. Tajikistan Facts, Population & People | Where is Tajikistan? 4 Medical Clinical Solutions (4MCS), +4 more . She made more than 100 other recordings over the next five years, which brought her fame beyond the South. Kraken Overview, History & Facts | What is the Sea Monster Kraken? Authoritarian Government Facts & Examples | What is Authoritarianism? Song of Solomon Overview & Summary | What is the Song of Songs? Divination Origin & Examples | What is Divination? William Thomas Rainey (1640 - 1720) - Genealogy - geni family tree Alhambra Palace: History, Location & Design | What is the Alhambra? Book of Numbers in the Bible | Origin, Summary & Significance. Soren Kierkegaard Life, Philosophy & Books | Who was Kierkegaard? [33] In 1928, she worked with Dorsey again and recorded 20 songs, before Paramount terminated her contract. Anat Overview, Mythology & Symbols | Who is Goddess Anat? Swiss German Overview, Usage & Facts | What is Swiss German? How Branford Marsalis Found 'Ma Rainey''s Sound | Vanity Fair Pentecost Holiday, History & Overview | What is Pentecost Sunday? Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, born Gertrude Malissa Nix Pridgett, was most likely, and by her own account, born on April 26, 1886, in Columbus, Georgia. Christian Identity Movement | Origin, Members & Beliefs. Celts History, Culture & Religion | Who are the Celts? Danny was born November 28, 1962 in Meridian, MS and was the son of Jeanne and James Tucker of Jackson.. Hangul Alphabet & Language | What is the Korean Alphabet? (They would continue to tour together for the next few years). Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. Hallel Overview, History & Prayer | What is a Hallel? Wailing Wall Overview, History & Location | What is the Kotel? So, what happened to Ma in real life? St. Thomas Christians: Overview & History | Syrian Christians in India, Serbia Religion Demographics & Beliefs | Religion in Serbia. She was a person of the folk. In 1983, she was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, and in 1990, she was inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Senegal History, People & Language | Where is Senegal Located? Incubus Overview, Legends & Facts | What is an Incubus? As was often the case with tent show acts, she wintered in New Orleans, where she befriended jazz musicians like Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, and Joe King Oliver. Seven Laws of Noah: Overview & Facts | What are the Noahide Laws? Vedic Religion: Overview, Origins & Gods | What is Vedism? Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Dry Farming Process, Crops & Facts | What is Dryland Farming? Ma Rainey's cause of death was heart disease at 53, in 1939. Church of Sweden: Overview & History | What is the Church of Sweden? India Gate: Overview, History & Design | Where is the India Gate? Sections of the Bible Overview & Books | The Parts of the Bible, Olam Ha-Ba Overview, Beliefs & Facts | Jewish Belief of an Afterlife, The Annunciation of the Lord | Account, Significance & Observance, The Books of the Maccabees | History, Synopsis & Significance, Egypt & Israel Relations | Overview, History & Facts, Symbols for Israel | List, History & Significance, History of the Book of Mormon | Origin, Facts & Writer, Patriarchs in the Bible History & Facts | The Biblical Patriarchs. Bible Translations | Overview, History & Timeline. Skull and Bones History & Overview | What is Order 322? Adobe Bricks Material, Use & Overview | What is Adobe Clay? .css-umdwtv{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#FF3A30;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:background 0.4s;transition:background 0.4s;background:linear-gradient(#ffffff, #ffffff 50%, #d5dbe3 50%, #d5dbe3);-webkit-background-size:100% 200%;background-size:100% 200%;}.css-umdwtv:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-position:100% 100%;background-position:100% 100%;}Born Gertrude Pridgett in Columbus, Georgia in 1886, the second of five children, Rainey got her start singing professionally as a teenager, performing for the first time in Columbus in 1900 before she began traveling the rural Souths tent-show circuit with vaudeville groups.