Ma Rainey - Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (Sealed) (CD)

In the early 1920's, Paramount Records were renowned for their blues output. Their releases by such performers as Alberta Hunter caused cash registers to jingle prolifically, as they vied for domination in a market headed by Columbia and the magnificent Bessie Smith. But who could compete? Paramount's 1924 catalogue supplied what the label believed was the answer, announcing that Ma Rainey was "recognised as the greatest blues singer ever known. Her records are breaking all records for popularity. Ma is the Mother of the Blues because she really taught many of the younger stars how to sing blues." Paramount's promotion spiel was nothing but the truth.