The True Story Behind Viola Davis' Character in'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' Kayla Keegan On December 18, Netflix released the new film Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, a drama adapted from a play of the same name, written by late Pulitzer-winning playwright August Wilson. Produced by Viola Davis, the movie centers around real-life blues pioneer Gertrude"Ma" Rainey, on the day that she and her band record a song called"Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom." Watching Viola depict Ma, it's clear the Oscar-winning actress did a lot of preparation to portray the powerful, bawdy, and charismatic singer. Although Viola worried she wouldn't be able to sing well enough to play the iconic"Mother of Blues," after reading the script she knew she had to get involved.