Ruth Brown, American R&B singer-songwriter and actress (d. 2006)

Ruth Brown: The Enduring Legacy of the "Queen of R&B"

Ruth Alston Brown (née Weston; January 12, 1928 – November 17, 2006) was a seminal American singer-songwriter and actress, universally recognized as the "Queen of R&B." Her powerful voice, dynamic stage presence, and unique ability to fuse various musical styles made her a pioneering force in popular music. Brown's innovative approach was particularly noted for seamlessly blending a distinctive pop music sensibility into the vibrant rhythm and blues sound, a fusion that profoundly shaped the landscape of American music in the 1950s.

Revolutionizing R&B and Building Atlantic Records

Ruth Brown's monumental impact on Atlantic Records is etched into music history. Her series of blockbuster hit songs in the 1950s not only dominated the R&B charts but also crossed over into the mainstream, bringing rhythm and blues to a wider audience. These foundational successes included:

Due to the unprecedented financial success and stability her records provided, Atlantic Records famously earned the moniker "the house that Ruth built." This evocative nickname, drawing an analogy to the iconic Yankee Stadium, perfectly encapsulated how Brown's immense sales allowed the fledgling label to grow, invest in other artists, and ultimately establish itself as a dominant force in the music industry.

A Champion for Musicians' Rights and Enduring Recognition

Following a significant resurgence in her career that began in the mid-1970s and reached its peak in the 1980s, Ruth Brown leveraged her renewed influence to advocate fiercely for the rights of musicians, particularly concerning fair royalties and equitable contracts. Her unwavering dedication to combating the exploitative practices prevalent in the early music industry culminated in the establishment of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 1988. This vital organization continues to provide financial assistance, educational programs, and preservation efforts for pioneering R&B artists who often received inadequate compensation for their foundational contributions to music.

Brown's multifaceted talents extended beyond the recording studio. Her captivating performances in the critically acclaimed Broadway musical Black and Blue, a vibrant revue celebrating African-American music and dance, earned her a prestigious Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 1989. Furthermore, the original cast recording of Black and Blue was honored with a Grammy Award, adding to her distinguished accolades.

Ruth Brown's profound legacy has been widely recognized through numerous prestigious inductions and awards:

Beyond her direct musical contributions, Ruth Brown holds a unique familial connection to another icon: she was the beloved aunt of the legendary hip hop MC Rakim, widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative lyricists in the history of hip hop.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ruth Brown

Who was Ruth Brown?
Ruth Brown was an iconic American singer-songwriter and actress, born on January 12, 1928, and passed away on November 17, 2006. She was a pivotal figure in rhythm and blues music, renowned for her powerful voice and for bringing a pop music style to R&B in the 1950s.
Why was Ruth Brown known as the "Queen of R&B"?
She earned the title "Queen of R&B" due to her consistent chart-topping hits, dynamic vocal style, and significant influence on the genre. Her crossover appeal helped popularize R&B with a broader audience, establishing her as a dominant and regal presence in the music world.
What does "the house that Ruth built" refer to?
"The house that Ruth built" is a famous phrase referring to Atlantic Records. Ruth Brown's immense success with hit songs like "Teardrops from My Eyes" and "(Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean" generated substantial revenue for the label, providing the financial foundation that allowed Atlantic Records to grow into a major music industry powerhouse.
What was Ruth Brown's role in the Rhythm and Blues Foundation?
Ruth Brown was instrumental in the founding of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 1988. Following her career resurgence, she became a vocal advocate for musicians' rights, particularly concerning fair royalties and contracts. Her efforts led to the creation of the foundation, which provides support and recognition for pioneering R&B artists.
What major awards did Ruth Brown receive?
Ruth Brown received numerous prestigious awards, including a Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway musical Black and Blue, a Grammy Award for the musical's original cast recording, and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. She was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2017.