Although blues women are sparsely acknowledged when people discuss the history of the blues, several have been bestowed with well-earned titles of royalty. Mamie Smith was known as the "Queen of the Blues", Bessie Smith as the "Empress of the Blues", Ma Rainey as the "Mother of the Blues", and Victoria Spivey as "Queen Victoria". In this lesson, students will gain a better understanding of how these "royal" figures were crucial in the development, popularization, and longevity of the blues. In Component 1, students will listen to audio recordings made by these blues women as they reflect on their contributions to the genre. Component 2 focuses on the music of Victoria Spivey specifically. In Component 3, students will learn about how these blues women have been celebrated and commemorated by other artists (poets and storytellers) and will have a chance to write a poem or craft a story about the blues woman known as "Queen Victoria".

Lesson Paths & Learning Objectives

1. Legendary Blues Women

   • Explain why Mamie Smith, Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Victoria Spivey were pivotal to the history and popularization of the blues in the United States.
   • 20+ minutes

2. Songs of Queens

   • Explain what set Victoria Spivey apart from other blues women of her time.
   • Identify and describe how "Queen" Victoria Spivey used her compositional skills (musical elements and expressive qualities) to convey expressive intent (meaning).
   • 25+ minutes

3. Celebrating Blues Women

   • Explain why storytelling is an important tradition in African American communities.
   • Demonstrate your understanding of "Queen" Victoria’s life and musical contributions through poetry or storytelling.
   • Explain why some African American poets and storytellers have used vernacular forms of expression in their creative works.
   • Identify some key attributes of a good storyteller.
   • 30+ minutes