Ma rainey cause of death: With her unashamed verses, Rainey gladly declared her cross-sexuality and served to standard dark female stories in a melodic style that later turned into a cross country rage.

Mama Rainey around 1923. Frequently called the “Mother of the Blues,” she built up a standing for her empowering, straight-talking exhibitions and full-throated vocals even before the blues turned into a cross country rage.

Mama Rainey around 1923. Regularly called the “Mother of the Blues,” she built up a standing for her stimulating, straight-talking exhibitions and full-throated vocals even before the blues turned into a cross country craze.Credit…Donaldson Collection/Getty Images

Neglected is a progression of eulogies about wonderful individuals whose passings, starting in 1851, went unreported in The Times. This month we’re adding the accounts of significant L.G.B.T.Q. figures.

By Giovanni Russonello

Mama Rainey didn’t make the principal blues recording; that qualification has a place with Mamie Smith, the vaudevillian who recorded “Insane Blues” in 1920. Furthermore, Rainey didn’t accomplish the stupendous approval of Bessie Smith, her mentee and, later, neighborly opponent.

In any case, it’s conceivable that neither of these figures would have sung the manner in which they managed without the impact of Rainey.