Gertrude "Ma" Rainey (born Gertrude Pridgett, April 26, 1886 – December 22, 1939) was an American blues singer. She was one of the first generation of blues singers to record.
Rainey was known as The "Mother of the Blues".
Her first recording was made in 1923. In the next five years, she made over 100 recordings, including "Bo-Weevil Blues" (1923), "Moonshine Blues" (1923), "See See Rider Blues" (1924), "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" (1927), and "Soon This Morning" (1927).
Rainey died on December 22, 1939 in Rome, Georgia from a heart attack, aged 53.