“Brilliant... explosive! Dramatically riveting.”

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—Newhouse Newspapers

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It’s 1927 and Ma Rainey, also known as the "Mother of the Blues," is recording updated versions of some of her classic songs in a run-down studio in Chicago. Passionate and headstrong, Ma Rainey battles to maintain authority over her own music, even as her arrogant trumpet player, Levee, aspires to make a name for himself in the music industry.