Auction Date:2012 Jan 26 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
One of the earliest known American professional blues singers (1886-1939), and one of the first generation of such singers to record. DS, signed “Gertrude Ma Rainey,” two pages, 8.5 x 11, October 11, 1924. Royalty agreement between Chicago Music Company and Ma Rainey for her composition entitled 'Jelly Bean Blues.' Agreement states that Rainey will receive one quarter of any and all royalties of the composition used in mechanical reproduction and two cents per piano copy. Signed at the bottom of the second page by Rainey, and also signed by famous blues producer J. M. Williams. Expected folds, a couple small brushes to signature, and a uniform shade of toning, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by an embossed Library of Congress registration for 'Jelly Bean Blues' dated December 4, 1924.
From the time of her first recordings with Paramount Records in 1923 to five years later, Ma Rainey made over 100 recordings; most notably 'Bo-weevil Blues,' 'Moonshine Blues', 'Black Bottom,' and 'Soon This Morning.' Paramount marketed her extensively, calling her ‘the Mother of the Blues,’ ‘the Songbird of the South,' 'the Gold-Neck Woman of the Blues' and 'the Paramount Wildcat.' She was known for her very powerful vocal abilities, energetic disposition, majestic phrasing, and a 'moaning' style of singing similar to folk tradition. Though her powerful voice and disposition are not captured on her recordings, the other characteristics are present, and most evident on her early recordings, 'Bo-weevil Blues' and 'Moonshine Blues.' In 1924 she made some recordings with Louis Armstrong, including 'Jelly Bean Blues,' 'Countin' the Blues' and 'See, See Rider.' In addition to touring and recording with the Georgia Jazz Band. Ma Rainey continued to tour until 1935 when she retired to her hometown, opening two theatres before her death in 1939.
Auction Location:
5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
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