The Forgotten Female Singers of the Early 1900s Blues Movement

The early 1900s saw the beginning of the blues music movement, and with it came a number of talented female singers. Unfortunately, many of these women have been forgotten over the years. This blog aims to change that by showcasing the forgotten female singers of the early blues movement.

The Early 1900s Blues Movement

The early 1900s blues movement was a time when many women were beginning to gain popularity as singer-songwriters and performers. Unfortunately, many of these women have been forgotten by history. This is likely due to the fact that the vast majority of early blues recordings were made by men. However, there are a few female artists whose names have managed to stand the test of time. Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, and Lucille Bogan are just a few of the women who made a lasting impact on the blues genre.

The Female Singers of the Early 1900s Blues Movement

Though the term “blues” conjures up images of male musicians like Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters, women have always been a vital part of the genre. In the early 1900s, the blues was primarily a regional phenomenon, with female singers often working as street musicians or in juke joints. Many of these women were never recorded, and their contributions to the blues have been largely forgotten. Let’s take a closer look at some of these forgotten female singers of the early blues movement.

Bessie Smith

Bessie Smith, the Empress of the Blues, began her career in 1912 playing in vaudeville shows and tent shows around the South. It wasn’t until she was discovered by Columbia Records talent scout and producer John Lomax that she recorded her first song, “Downhearted Blues,” in 1923. The song was an instant hit, selling over 780,000 copies.

Smith went on to have a successful career, recording over 160 songs and touring extensively throughout the United States and Europe. She was one of the highest-paid black performers of her time and is credited with popularizing the blues genre. Smith died tragically in 1937 at the age of 43 in a car accident near Clarksdale, Mississippi.

Ma Rainey

Ma Rainey, born Gertrude Ma Rainey in 1886, was one of the earliest African American professional blues singers and one of the first generation of blues singers to record her music. She was billed as the “Mother of the Blues” and is considered by many music critics to be one of the greatest blues singers of all time.

Rainey began her career in the touring shows of minstrelsy companies, which were mostly made up of white performers in blackface makeup. She eventually left the minstrel show circuit and began performing with her own theater companies. It was during this time that she met and married Will Rainey, with whom she would perform for many years.

In 1923, Ma Rainey was discovered by talent scout W.C. Handy and offered a recording contract with Paramount Records. She recorded over 100 songs for Paramount between 1924 and 1928, including such classics as “See See Rider,” “Bo Weevil,” and “Black Bottom.” Ma Rainey’s recordings were very popular with both black and white audiences, and she became one of the most famous blues singers of her time.

Sadly, Ma Rainey’s career was cut short by her untimely death in 1939 at the age of 53. However, her music lives on and continues to inspire musicians all over the world.

Ida Cox

Ida Cox was one of the most popular female blues singers of the early 1900s. She was born in Georgia in 1886 and began her career singing in vaudeville shows. later on she formed her own band, “The Ida Cox Troupe,” and toured the United States, Europe, and South America. She was known for her powerful voice and ability to sing both up-tempo tunes and slow, soulful ballads.

The Legacy of the Female Singers of the Early 1900s Blues Movement

The legacy of the female singers of the Early 1900s Blues Movement is often overshadowed by the more famous male musicians of the time. However, these women played a vital role in the development of the blues as a genre, and their music continues to influence artists today.

Some of the most influential female blues singers of the early 1900s include Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, and Ida Cox. These women were known for their soulful voices and ability to convey emotion through their songs. They often sang about topics that were considered taboo at the time, such as sex and relationships, which made their music all the more revolutionary.

Despite the success of thesewomen, they were still discriminated against because of their gender. They were paid less than their male counterparts and often treated with disrespect by hoteliers and club owners. As a result, many female blues singers struggled to make a living and were forced to retire or leave the music industry altogether.

Thankfully, their legacy has not been forgotten. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the music of early blues women, and their contributions are finally being recognized. As we continue to celebrate the history of the blues, let us not forget the vital role that these forgotten female singers played in its development.