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 4:46 PM EDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Listen • 8:17 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