Ma Rainey was also married twice—to two men. She was with her first husband, Will Rainey, for at least 10 years before separating, according to the
New York Times. She eventually married again to a younger man, but his name is unknown and other details are scarce.
Ma Rainey openly sang about her affairs with women.
Three of Ma's hundreds of songs contain references to her bisexuality. The most famous example, "Prove It on Me Blues" (1928) was recorded near the end of her contract with Paramount, and contains the lyrics:
Where she went, I don't know
I mean to follow everywhere she goes;