Premium Content:

On This Gay Day | Blues singer Ma Rainey was born

Ma Rainey is acknowledged as one of the most influential blues singers of all time, part of the first generation to be recorded, she is often referred to as the ‘Mother of the Blues’.

Born Gertrude Pridgett in 1886, she gained her name through marriage when she wed Will ‘Pa’ Rainey in 1904 and began touring with the Rabbit Foot Minstrels, later the couple formed their own group. They toured around the USA until the separated in 1916.

- Advertisement -

She made her first recording in 1923 and over the next five years laid down over 100 different tracks.

During her career it was often suggested that Ma Rainey was involved in a romantic relationship with another singer, Bessie Smith. While most of her songs have lyrics about heterosexual romances, a few delve into lesbian and bisexual relationships.

On of her songs Prove It On Me is allegedly about an incident in 1925 when Rainey was arrested for taking part in an orgy at her house involving the women of her chorus. The song would become a lesbian anthem in the 1970s.

In 1982 the play Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom was a bit on Broadway, in 2020 it was adapted into a film for Netflix with Viola Davis portraying Ma Rainey. The film was also the final appearance of actor Chadwick Boseman, who passed away after filming concluded.

The film was among the nominees for the Academy Awards with both Davis and Boseman recognised for their work. The film picked up the awards for Best Costume, and Best Hair and Makeup.

Latest

Pride Networking Drinks return for a spring edition

Mark the date in your diary.

Unconfirmed reports offer insight into Tyler Robinson’s personal life

There are reports claiming the man who is accused of shooting influencer Charlie Kirk was in a relationship with a person who is transgender.

Will there be an ugly debate over updates to WA’s surrogacy laws?

Debate began in parliament this week, but so far it's been one-sided.

Survey shows a growing number of Australians believe homosexuality is immoral

After decades of growing acceptance the numbers have begun to flow in the other direction.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Pride Networking Drinks return for a spring edition

Mark the date in your diary.

Unconfirmed reports offer insight into Tyler Robinson’s personal life

There are reports claiming the man who is accused of shooting influencer Charlie Kirk was in a relationship with a person who is transgender.

Will there be an ugly debate over updates to WA’s surrogacy laws?

Debate began in parliament this week, but so far it's been one-sided.

Survey shows a growing number of Australians believe homosexuality is immoral

After decades of growing acceptance the numbers have begun to flow in the other direction.

‘Heartstopper’ star Joe Locke films new mystery thriller

Locke will appear alongside Tom Cullen in 'Black Church Bay'.

Pride Networking Drinks return for a spring edition

Mark the date in your diary.

Unconfirmed reports offer insight into Tyler Robinson’s personal life

There are reports claiming the man who is accused of shooting influencer Charlie Kirk was in a relationship with a person who is transgender.

Will there be an ugly debate over updates to WA’s surrogacy laws?

Debate began in parliament this week, but so far it's been one-sided.