Ma Rainey was the first great professional blues singer and became known as ‘Mother of the Blues’. She was born in the state of Georgia in the USA (one of the southern states). She performed publicly for the first time at the age of 14 in her hometown. She was an influence of Bessie Smith with her low pitch, almost harsh vocal style. This style perfectly demonstrated the sadness of the lyrics in her 12-Bar Blues songs.

She was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee in the American south. Sadly her father died when she was 2 years old and her mother died when she was 9. Bessie was raised by her older sister Viola. To earn money for their poor family, Bessie and her brother Andrew began performing on the streets of Chattanooga as a duo. She sang and danced, and he accompanied her on guitar.

When she was 18 she auditioned for a travelling band. She got a job as a dancer – as the group already had a singer – Ma Rainey! Ma helped Bessie to be a better performer but did not teach her how to sing – she did that all by herself. Bessie worked very hard, performing night after night and became the highest paid black entertainer at the time – she became known as ‘the Empress of the Blues’.

Sadly, she was in a car crash at the age of 43 and injured her arm and the side of her body badly. She lost a lot of blood and was taken to hospital where her arm had to be amputated. She did not survive.

Play the above songs and try out the 12 Bar Blues Structure using these guides.

Play the 12 Bar Blues Backing Track below and play these chords or bass notes along with it on your virtual piano.

❤️Further Listening❤️

❤️Further Study❤️

Reggae originated in Jamaica in the 1960s. It’s a fusion of various musical styles, including traditional Jamaican music, American rhythm and blues, jazz, and Motown.

The history of reggae: Key facts in the timeline of reggae – BBC Teach

Think about how Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith and 12 Bar Blues has influenced Rag ‘n’ Bone Man.

Lesson Resources:

https://www.classroom200.org/lesson-plans/143