Ma Rainey Quotes

United States, Singer
April 26, 1886 – December, 22, 1939.

"Ma" Rainey (born Gertrude Pridgett, September 1882 or April 26, 1886 – December 22, 1939) was one of the earliest African-American professional blues singers and one of the first generation of blues singers to record. She was billed as the "Mother of the Blues".

Also known as Musician

White folks hear the blues come out, but they don't know how it got there.

Ma Rainey
- Know
- White
- Blues
A tune's like a staircase - walk up on it.

Ma Rainey
- Up
- Like
- Tunes
They hear it come out, but they don't know how it got there. They don't understand that's life's way of talking. You don't sing to feel better. You sing 'cause that's a way of understanding life.

Ma Rainey
Remember what I told you about the blues? If you're not risking nothing, neither would they.

Ma Rainey
- Remember
- Blues
- Risking
My audience wants to see me beautifully gowned, and I have spared no expense or pains . . . For I feel that the best is none too good for the public that pays to hear a singer.

Ma Rainey
- Good
- Audience
- Pains
If you don't like my ocean don't fish in my sea Stay out of my valley and let my mountain be.

Ma Rainey
- Sea
- Ocean
- Mountain

[Advice to Bessie Smith:] Let your soul do the singin'.

Ma Rainey
- Soul
- Advice
- Singin