The Netflix adaptation (and August Wilson's original play) track Rainey's abuse at the hands of a white recording industry. But there was also a go-between: J. Mayo Williams, a Chicago talent scout and Paramount's first Black A&R rep. Read more
The aptly titled "Illinois" was written by a Civil War vet to promote Chicago's bid for the 1893 World's Fair. Surely we've earned an upgrade. Read more
