"Uncrowned Queen of the Blues"
1886 - 1967
Wild Women (Don't Have the Blues)
With an independent spirit and impassioned determination, singer-songwriter Ida Cox did more than just sing the blues - she made us look at ourselves and our culture with new eyes. Ida was a strong-willed black woman struggling in a white man's world. Armed with her intelligence and sharp edged wit, she brought to light common issues though a black woman's point of view. Although not a 'belter' like so many of the Classic Blues singers, Ida Cox was able to convey so much pure feeling with her strong, sure style and phrasing.
Born Ida Prather in Taccoa, Georgia, Ida was the daughter of poor sharecroppers, not much different than millions of other black children growing up in the south at the turn of the century. Without much to hope for in the way of jobs or education, a bleak future seemed fairly inescapable.
Ida's love of music began at a very young age when she began singing gospel music at her church choir. It was obvious from the beginning when she opened up her mouth and sang - folks definitely took notice. She was simply born to sing the blues.
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