Brown, Ruth 1928–2006

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Brown, Ruth 1928–2006

PERSONAL

Original name, Ruth Alston Watson; born January 31, 1928, in Portsmouth, VA; died of a heart attack and stroke, November 16, 2006, in Las Vegas, NV. Actress and singer. Vocalist Brown, known as the Queen Mother of the Blues, was a popular rhythm and blues singer in the 1950s. She appeared in the films Rock 'n' Roll Revue and Rhythm and Blues Revue in 1955. Despite her fame, Brown was forced to work as a maid and school bus driver in the 1960s as rhythm and blues declined in popularity. Brown continued to record albums and appeared in films, television, and on the stage. From 1979 to 1981 she starred in the television series Hello, Larry. Her film credits include Under the Rainbow, Hairspray, and True Identity. In 1988 Brown was awarded back royalties in a legal settlement with Atlantic Records. This prompted Brown to help create the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, which provides aid to recording artists. In 1989 Brown enjoyed a career comeback when she won an Antoinette Perry Award for her performance in the theatrical production Black and Blue. That same year she was awarded a Grammy Award for best jazz vocal performance for her album Blues on Broadway. Brown was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.

PERIODICALS

Guitar Player, March 1, 2007.

Jet, December 11, 2006.

Variety, November 27, 2006.

Contemporary Theatre, Film and Television

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