Ma Rainey, born Gertrude Pridgett, was an American jazz singer known as the 'Mother of the Blues'. She was born on April 26, 1886, and passed away on December 22, 1939. Ma Rainey, with her unique voice and performance style, had a profound impact on many jazz singers that followed. Her musical career spanned the early 20th century and had a significant influence on the development of jazz.