Blues Queens

Question 1

Who are the three blues queens?

Answer 1

• Ma Rainey
• Mamie Smith
• Bessie Smith

Question 2

Give key details about Ma Rainey

Answer 2

Full Name: Gertrude Pridgett Rainey
Born: April 26, 1886
Died: December 22, 1939
- “Mother of the Blues”
- began recording 1923 with Paramount Records
- songs reflect love, hardship + resilience
- glamarous, bling, powerful, commanding aura

Question 3

Give key details about Ma Rainey’s influence and key songs

Answer 3

• pioneered an authentic blues sound
• mentored Bessie Smith

Key Songs
- See See Rider Blues
- Bo-Weavil Blues
- Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Question 4

Give key details about Mamie Smith

Answer 4

Full Name: Mamie Robinson Smith
Born: May 26, 1883
Died: September 16, 1946
- first African American woman to record vocal blues
- recorded “Crazy Blues” 1920 - sold over 1M copies
- multi-talented entertainer (on stage + in film)
- vaudeville entertainer + toured in teens

Question 5

Give key details about Mamie Smith’s influence and key songs

Answer 5

• her success marked the start of “race records” era
• opened doors for African American artists in recording industry

Key Songs
- Crazy Blues
- That Thing Called Love
- It’s Right Here for You

Question 6

Give key details about Bessie Smith

Answer 6

Full Name: Bessie Smith
Born: April 15, 1894
Died: September 26, 1937
- “Empress of the Blues”
- started recording 1923 with Columbia Records
- known for powerful voice + emotional depth

Question 7

Give key details about Bessie Smith’s influence and key songs

Answer 7

• most prominent blues singer of 1920s + 30s
• influenced jazz + popular music

Key Songs
- Downhearted Blues
- St. Louis Blues
- Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out

Question 8

Give vocal qualities of Mamie Smith

Answer 8

• clear + articulate diction - suitable for blues + vaudeville styles
• balanced use of head + chest voice - slight preference for head voice in higher registers
• accurate intonation - polished + professional sound
• strong breath control - energetic + lively performances
• bright + clear timbre - voice easily recognisable + appealing
• versatile vocal style - smooth transition between different music genres
• likely some formal training in Vaudeville - helped develop versatile performance style

Question 9

Give vocal qualities of Ma Rainey

Answer 9

• clear + direct diction wit strong emphasis on emotional expression
• redominantly chest voice - powerful, grounded quality
• precise intonation
• excellent breath control - allowing sustained notes + powerful delivery
• deep, rich, earthy timbre - raw + authentic sound
• harsh tones + robust, emotive delivery
• deep emotional resonance.
• primarily self-taught - developed through performing in vaudeville + tent shows

Question 10

Give vocal qualities of Bessie Smith

Answer 10

• clear and precise diction - dramatic + expressive quality enhancing storytelling
• predominantly chest voice - power + richness
• exceptional intonation - accurate pitch in emotionally charged performances
• excellent breath control - dynamic range + powerful projection
• rich, warm, powerful timbre - emotional depth + resonance
• controlled vibrato + dramatic phrasing + profound emotion to connect deeply with audiences
• mostly self-taught - honed through extensive live performances + touring with traveling shows