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Ma Rainey, the so-called 'Mother of the Blues,' can now be heard clearer than ever

NPR | By Debbie Elliott,
Daniel Ofman, Sarah Robbins
Published July 26, 2026 at 3:46 PM CDT

Ma Rainey was a musical pioneer. Her voice was once scratchy and hard to hear, but is now crystal clear on a new box set.

Copyright 2026 NPR
Debbie Elliott
NPR National Correspondent Debbie Elliott can be heard telling stories from her native South. She covers the latest news and politics, and is attuned to the region's rich culture and history.
See stories by Debbie Elliott
Daniel Ofman
Sarah Robbins
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