Name: Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
ISBN: 9780573681134

Michael Stewart

August Wilson

Recording session by black blues great Ma Rainey for white-owned studio, setting for exploration of racial relations and conflicts.

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

In a 1927 recording session in Chicago, Ma Rainey and her band try to avoid being victimized by the white music industry.

A Play in Two Acts

Jeff Brown 

Very enjoyable read, especially with some old blues on in the background.

Strong portrayal of a prima donna, and the action among band members during down time, hanging around, shooting the breeze. But mostly the rage against the society these men knew held them down. Well done.

Knew a few guys like Levee when I was in jazz bands. And, they were all trumpet players, too, hmm. He needed a good punch, but I’m curious what his version of “Black Bottom” sounded like.

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

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