History
The name Rainey-McCullers, comes from the last names of two influential artists from this area. Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts was built to represent the interests of the arts in the Columbus community. Students who are interested in an arts area, can apply to attend and study creative writing, dance, music, theatre, or visual art. The school provides the unique opportunity for students to study the arts during the regular school day. The students of Rainey-McCullers are prepared to study and compete at the post-secondary level. Our mission is to continue the heritage of Ma Rainey and Carson McCullers, in an environment where students come together as a family to learn and pursue their passion for the arts.
Ma Rainey
Carson McCullers
The “Mother of the Blues” was born in our community in the mid 1880’s. Gertrude Pridgett or “Ma Rainey” as she was better known, was a noted African-American professional blues singer, and one of the earliest to record her music. Her career began when she was a teen, but her skills were developed through church.
Ma Rainey was a flamboyant performer who was exceedingly popular during the 1920’s blues era. Her first performance was at a talent show here in Columbus, at the Springer Opera House. In 1904 she married William Rainey, a vaudeville performer called “Pa Rainey.” The two toured the South and performed as a song and dance team. While touring in Missouri, Ma Rainey first heard music that would later become a new art form known as the blues.
Rainey began performing alone in 1916 when she separated from her husband. She sang of everyday life and emotion and was known for her strong contralto voice. In 1923 Paramount Records made phonograph recordings of her music, including her hits “See See Rider” and “Bo Weavil Blues” which are now considered classics.
Ma Rainey retired in 1933, to a house she built for her mother here in Columbus, GA. She died of a heart attack in 1939. She is in the Blues Hall of Fame, as well as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Rainey was a U.S. Postage Stamp honoree in 1994. In 2007 a museum was opened in her home, here in Columbus, GA.
Students at Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts continue the musical legacy of Ma Rainey through their study of music, art, dance, and theatre. Learn more about Rainey by visiting the website for the Ma Rainey House and Blues Museum.
One of the most noteworthy American writers of the 20th century, Carson McCullers, was born here in Columbus, Ga in 1917, and grew up here as well. McCullers wrote novels, short stories, plays, essays, and poetry throughout her lifetime. She is well known for her novels, with the most famous being “The Heart is a Lonely Hunter.”
During her lifetime she had multiple strokes from rheumatic fever, which was untreated due to a misdiagnosis. The first stroke was at age 24, and the final stroke was in 1967 when she died at age 50. In 2004 “The Heart is a Lonely Hunter” became a No. 1 bestseller, when Oprah Winfrey selected it for her book club.
At Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts, future writers, artists, actors, and musicians receive an education in an environment that fosters creativity while continuing the legacy of Carson McCullers.
Learn more about Carson McCullers, by visiting the website of the Carson McCullers Center for Writers and Musicians at Columbus State University here in Columbus, GA.
