Women in the Performing Arts

Ma Gertrude Rainey

29-cent Ma Rainey stamp
The Gertrude Rainey stamp was issued September 17, 1994.

“Ma” Gertrude Rainey (1886-1939) started her career in vaudeville, but became an influential blues singer during the 1920’s. Rainey performed with her husband, William “Pa” Rainey, and the couple worked under Paramount Records. “Ma” Gertrude Rainey’s contribution to blues music has been acknowledged by the music community through her inductions into the Blue Foundation Blues Hall of Fame (1983), Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame (1990), and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame (1992).