Book manuscript by Reitz that underwent several title changes during the course of its writing. Those included: The Blues Women: 1920-1950 (1978-1981), Mean Mothers and Their Sisters Shout the Independent Blues (1981-1987), Bessie to Billie: The Poetry of Women's Blues 1920 to 1950s (1997-1998), and Everywoman's Blues: Singers and Their Songs 1920 to 1950s (2000-2001).