Please join the Columbus Jazz Society this Saturday to celebrate the life and work of Columbus' own Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, the Mother of the Blues (Apr. 26, 1886 - Dec. 22, 1939).

Saturday - May 3, 2008

Procession:
Will begin at 10:30 A.M. at the Liberty Theatre (813 8th AV, Columbus, GA 31901) and proceed to the Porterdale Cemetery where flowers will be placed on the grave. Then, on to the Ma Rainey house where a wreath will be put on the door while Ed Cox plays and sings the blues.

Blues Concert:
From 3:00 - 5:00 P.M. at the Liberty Theatre (813 8th AV, Columbus, GA 31901) featuring Kathy Roberts & Company. Light snacks will be served -- feel free to bring your own. Tickets $10.

Acclaimed Blues Singer Gertrude Ma Rainey. Known as the "Mother of the Blues" first appeared on stage in 1900. In 1902 she married song and dance man William Pa Rainey. She was then know as Ma even though the marriage did not last. Her band included jazz stars Louis Armstrong, Thomas Dorsey and Coleman Hawkins. Between 1923 and 1928 she recorded more than 100 songs for Paramount. She helped mentor the career of Bessie Smith. The Great Depression ended her career as her fan base lost their ability to buy her records. She retired back to Columbus and died of a heart attack. She was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.

Labels: Columbus, Georgia, Jazz Society, Liberty Theatre, Ma Rainey, Music