Ma, where have you been?

Ok, I guess I don't get out much. I just discovered Ma Rainey. I stumbled upon her, really. I am working on a novel right now and while doing research the "27 Club" popped up on my computer screen. Unable to resist, I started reading about one of my favorites, Janis Joplin. Now, I've read a lot about Janis, but this article wrote about her influences, the singers I absolutely love, Etta James (who tops my list), Bessie Smith (right up there, too), Odetta (Yes!) Big Mama Thornton (Yes! Yes!)  Billie Holiday (Of course) and Ma Rainey. Ma who? A question mark rose over my head so without pause I looked her up, read about her and listened to her music. Wow! According to biography.com, "Ma Rainey was the first poplar stage entertainer to incorporate authentic blues into here song repertoire and became known as the 'Mother of the Blues.'" Exactly when did I touch down on this planet? Where the hell have I been? The first song I punched in on itunes was "Prove it on Me." Since I have a few songs with a lesbian theme, I was delighted to find out I'm about 76 years behind. So much for progress. Hello, Ma, I love you! Better late than never. I really have to get out more.

---

Lyrics: Prove it on Me by Ma Rainey
Went out last night, had a great big fight
Everything seemed to go on wrong
I looked up, to my surprise
The gal I was with was gone.

Where she went, I don't know
I mean to follow everywhere she goes;
Folks say I'm crooked. I didn't know where she took it
I want the whole world to know.

They say I do it, ain't nobody caught me
Sure got to prove it on me;
Went out last night with a crowd of my friends,
They must've been women, 'cause I don't like no men.

It's true I wear a collar and a tie,
Makes the wind blow all the while
Don't you say I do it, ain't nobody caught me
You sure got to prove it on me.

Say I do it, ain't nobody caught me
Sure got to prove it on me.

I went out last night with a crowd of my friends,
It must've been women, 'cause I don't like no men.
Wear my clothes just like a fan
Talk to the gals just like any old man

Cause they say I do it, ain't nobody caught me
Sure got to prove it on me