My audience wants to see me beautifully gowned, and I have spared no expense or pains . . . For I feel that the best is none too good for the public …

- Ma Rainey

If you don't like my ocean don't fish in my sea Stay out of my valley and let my mountain be.

- Ma Rainey

A tune's like a staircase - walk up on it.

- Ma Rainey

I can't tell my future, so I'm going to tell my past.

- Ma Rainey

This be an empty world without the blues.

- Ma Rainey

They hear it come out, but they don't know how it got there. They don't understand that's life's way of talking. You don't sing to feel better. You s…

- Ma Rainey

[Advice to Bessie Smith:] Let your soul do the singin'.

- Ma Rainey