Original: The most popular of these singers were Ma Rainey , Bessie Smith , Mamie Smith , Ethel Waters , Ida Cox , Victoria Spivey , Sippie Wallace , Alberta Hunter , Clara Smith , Edith Wilson , Sara Martin , Trixie Smith , Lucille Hegamin and Bertha '' Chippie '' Hill .
Simplified: The most popular of female blues singers were Ma Rainey , Bessie Smith , Mamie Smith , Ethel Waters and Rosa Henderson .