Is Ma Rainey true story?

Produced by Denzel Washington and starring Viola Davis, the movie centers around real-life blues pioneer Gertrude "Ma" Rainey on the day that she and her band record a song called "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."

Did Ma Rainey have gold teeth?

The Oscar-winning actress became larger than life Ma Rainey with the help of gold teeth, charcoal-like makeup, and a wig made of horsehair. When Viola Davis committed to playing the trailblazing blues singer of “Ma Rainey's Black Bottom,” she was uncompromising in her demand for historical accuracy.

Is Ma Rainey still alive?

Deceased (1886–1939) Ma Rainey/Living or Deceased

What happened to Bessie Smith?

She died from injuries sustained in a road accident. It was said that, had she been white, she would have received medical treatment that would have saved her life, and Edward Albee made this the subject of his play The Death of Bessie Smith (1960).

What was Ma Rainey known for?

Often called the “Mother of the Blues,” Ma Rainey was known for her deep-throated voice and mesmerizing stage presence that drew packed audiences and sold hit records in the early twentieth century.

What was Ma Rainey's real name?

Gertrude Pridgett Ma Rainey/Full name Ma Rainey, née Gertrude Pridgett, (born Ap, Columbus, Georgia, U.S.—died Decem, Columbus), American singer who was known as the “mother of the blues” and who was recognized as the first great professional blues vocalist.

Who did Ma Rainey marry?

William Rainey She married William Rainey at the age of 18 and the two toured as performers with multiple minstrel and vaudeville shows, including the Rabbit Foot Minstrels.

What was the real Ma Rainey like?

Rainey was known for her powerful vocal abilities, energetic disposition, majestic phrasing, and a "moaning" style of singing. Her qualities are present and most evident in her early recordings "Bo-Weevil Blues" and "Moonshine Blues".

Did Ma Rainey have money?

Although some website lists her net worth to be in the range of $5 million to $13 million, it's hard to suggest that it could be that much high at that time. Rainey started her career at 12 years old as a performer at a talent show in Georgia. She was first exposed to blues music in 1902.

What was Ma Rainey real name?

Gertrude Pridgett Ma Rainey/Full name Ma Rainey, née Gertrude Pridgett, (born Ap, Columbus, Georgia, U.S.—died Decem, Columbus), American singer who was known as the “mother of the blues” and who was recognized as the first great professional blues vocalist.

What was Bessie Smith nickname?

Empress of the Blues Bessie Smith/Nicknames By the time she became the bona fide superstar whose influence earned her the nickname "The Empress of the Blues," Smith had been singing for decades.

Who did Bessie Smith marry?

Jack Geem. 1923–1937 Bessie Smith/Spouse In 1923, Smith was living in Philadelphia when she met Jack Gee, a security guard, whom she married on J, just as her first record was being released.

What is Ma Rainey real name?

Gertrude Pridgett Ma Rainey/Full name Ma Rainey, née Gertrude Pridgett, (born Ap, Columbus, Georgia, U.S.—died Decem, Columbus), American singer who was known as the “mother of the blues” and who was recognized as the first great professional blues vocalist.

Who is Ma Rainey buried?

Gertrude “Ma” Rainey

Who was Ma Rainey married to?

William Rainey She married William Rainey at the age of 18 and the two toured as performers with multiple minstrel and vaudeville shows, including the Rabbit Foot Minstrels. After her marriage ended, Rainey established her own performance company and named it, “Madame Gertrude Rainey and her Georgia Smart Sets.”

Is Viola Davis singing in Ma Rainey?

Viola Davis transforms into the Mother of the Blues for her award-winning role in “Ma Rainey's Black Bottom” — and while she delivers a powerhouse performance, former Ikette and soul singer Maxayn Lewis is the unsung hero of the film. It's her voice that catapults Davis into a new realm.

Did levee really stab Toledo?

Levee gives the film a climax “haunting beyond words.” And when Toledo, the band's pianist, accidentally steps on his new yellow shoes, the broken-down Levee flies into a rage and fatally stabs Toledo. ... And Los Angeles Times critic Justin Chang calls the climax “haunting beyond words” in an interview with NPR.

Did Ma Rainey have money when died?

She is known for her charismatic stage performance and vibrant outfits. Ma Rainey net worth before her death was around $2 million. Although some website lists her net worth to be in the range of $5 million to $13 million, it's hard to suggest that it could be that much high at that time.

Who is Ma Rainey in real life?

Gertrude "Ma" Rainey (née Pridgett; Ap – Decem) was an influential American blues singer and early blues recording artist. Dubbed the "Mother of the Blues", she bridged earlier vaudeville and the authentic expression of southern blues, influencing a generation of blues singers.

Who was the first blues musician?

It's impossible to trace a first blues singer, but the first recorded blues musician, within the genre which today is recognized as blues, was probably Sylvester “Curly” Weaver, when he recorded Guitar Blues and Guitar Rag in 1923.