Sharon D. Blaire
University of Phoenix
Art Through the Ages/ HUM 266
Bud Hollowell
March 04, 2009
Creative Process Paper Many nations throughout history have admired the wealth and democratic freedoms that individuals have in America. This admiration stems from the special nature of our population, choice of religious beliefs, racial mix of people, and cultural that makes this nation a melting pot. African American culture is one of several nationalities that make America special. Without African Americans contributions this nation would not be as great of a country. Even though we continue to face racial division in the United States, African Americans within that last 40 years have contributed positively to political issues as well as educational influence. This essay will explore the lives of …show more content…
This trademark gave her the name “Gold Necklace Woman of the Blues.” Ma Rainey was born Gertrude Pridgett in Columbus, Georgia to Thomas Pridgett and Ella Allen Pridgett. In the 1900, Rainey worked at the Springer Opera House where she performed in a local talent show, “A Bunch of Blackberries” as a singer and dancer. Pridgett married a comedy songster, William “Pa” Rainey on February 02, 1904. The couple together toured cabarets and tent shows before beginning her recording career in 1923. Ma Rainey recorded more than 100 songs by some famous singers, such as Louis Austin and Louis Armstrong. Rainey was known for her professionalism on stage as well as in business. Ma Rainey’s recordings were straightforward stories that addressed issues such as promiscuity, heart break, drinking binges, and superstition. These were all issues that affected the southern landscape of African Americans in the Post-Reconstruction era. Pridgett retired in the 1930’s due to the decline in female blues