Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #APeoplesGroove
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Ma Rainey, known as the "Mother of the Blues,” is one of the earliest known American professional blues singers. She was born Gertrude Pridgett in Columbus, Georgia, on April 26, 1886.
nmaahc.si.edu/LGBTQ/ma-rainey #MaRaineyFilm #APeoplesGroove
nmaahc.si.edu/LGBTQ/ma-rainey #MaRaineyFilm #APeoplesGroove
At the age of 18, she married William Rainey and the two toured as performers with multiple minstrel and vaudeville shows, including the Rabbit Foot Minstrels. They later separated and Ma Rainey relocated to Chicago. #MaRaineyFilm #APeoplesGroove 
In the 1920’s Ma Rainey signed a recording contract with Paramount Records. Marketed as “the Mother of the Blues” Ma Rainey was heavily advertised in the Black press, particularly the Chicago Defender. #MaRaineyFilm #APeoplesGroove
African American music is rooted in messages of solidarity and protest. The freedom of speech that music allows creates opportunities for individual voices to come together in support of a cause. #APeoplesGroove #APeoplesJourney #ANationsStory #FreedomSounds
For centuries, black musicians have used their art to speak out for justice & equality. They have raised their voices to oppose racism, apartheid, violence, genocide, & oppression in all its forms. #APeoplesGroove #APeoplesJourney #ANationsStory #FreedomSounds
Some artists fight for social change throughout their careers because they believe their public prominence brings a social responsibility. Others may be moved to speak out on a particular topic or situation. #APeoplesGroove #APeoplesJourney #ANationsStory #FreedomSounds
The “Queen of Disco” Donna Summer was born in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston in 1948. “Love to Love You Baby” was released in 1975 and became the single that would catapult Summer to international disco stardom. #APeoplesJourney #SmithsonianMusic #APeoplesGroove
The 17-minute long track, featuring Summer repeating the title lyrics in her signature ethereal vocal style, reached no. 2 on the American pop chart, becoming a disco standard. Summer would go on to release a string of hit disco and pop albums in the next decade #SmithsonianMusic
Her 1979 album Bad Girls, however, showcased Summer’s notable ability to transcend the disco genre - in addition to her pop sound, Summer also incorporated R&B, soul, and even rock influences into what would become the most successful album of her career. #SmithsonianMusic
