One of the earliest known American professional blues singers (1886–1939), and one of the first generation of such singers to record. DS, signed “Gertrude Ma Rainey,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 8.5 x 11, January 9, 1925. A royalty agreement for the song ‘Cell Bound Blues’ wherein Rainey is to receive ”two cents…upon each and every complete printed pianoforte copy of the said work sold by the Publisher…The Publisher will pay to the composer a sum equal to one-fourth of any and all royalties that the Publisher shall actually receive from the use of said musical composition.” Light handling wear, slight bends along the left edge, filing folds, and a brush to her last name, otherwise fine condition. RRAuction COA.
