n outpouring of heartfelt support has come into commemorating the memory of late, great R B pioneer who passed away last weekend.
, the Grammy and Tony Award winning diva died in her Las Vegas home at the age of 78 on Nov. 17.
With an impressive resume (including music, film and theater) and an astounding biography that epitomizes the term "rhythm and blues," the Portsmouth, Virginia vocal powerhouse left an everlasting impression on many she had touched, physically and musically.
"Ruth Brown fueled the good work of R B Foundation, her enthusiasm and larger than life personality served as a propellant to get people focused on the contributions of performers from the past, whose days were not quite so full of glory anymore," reflected veteran television writer Ruth Adkins Robinson.
"She said she used to answer the phone in her best maid's voice to tell bill collectors that 'Miss Brown is not at home,'" Adkins Robinson added.
"She said no singer should have to endure that kind of humilation. She was one of a kind, the likes of which we will not see again"
Acclaimed theatrical performer Mary Bond Davis (pictured right with Brown) told today that Brown was a "huge inspiration" to her. Bond Davis, took on the role of Motormouth Maybelle for the Broadway musical adaptation of the film, 'Hairspray' -- the same hearty role Brown gave birth to in the John Waters-helmed 1985 cult movie hit.
Of the night Miss Brown visited the multiple Tony Award winning show a few years ago, Bond Davis shared, "I was so excited about Ruth coming to see the show and I had hoped that she was happy with my interpretation of Motormouth Maybelle. She hated thatblonde wig [but] we laughed alot about that. John Waters …loved her.
"
"After the show, Ruth and I went to dinner," she continued. "She talked about what it was like usually being the only woman among a bunch of black musicians traveling in the 50s in the south. She blazed a lot of trails for all of us.
She was Atlantic Records."
During another career resurgence, Brown (who was widely renowned as "Miss Rhythm") starred in the musical revue 'Black and Blue,' which garnered high marks when it made its Broadway transfer from Paris. During the show's heyday, 'New York Times' critic Frank Rich wrote, "Ruth Brown, the rhythm-and-blues chanteuse, applies sarcastic varnish and two-a-day burlesque timing to the ribald Andy Razaf lyrics of 'If I Can't Sell It, I'll Keep Sittin' on It.
'"
For her work in 'Black and Blue,' Brown won the 1989 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
"The first thing that came to mind when I found out she passed was the famous: "The House that Ruth built," talent and event producer Kevin-Anthony told today, referring to Brown's musical legacy on Atlantic Records. , the company he co-founded with partner Sean Hollingsworth, Anthony cultivates and celebrates African American interests in the theater arts.
In 2005, the not-for-profit organization paid homage to Brown at a glitzy affair held at the Times Square outpost of B.B. King Bar Grill in New York City.
"She built a bridge along with that house that many artists, young and old, were able to cross," Anthony continued. "We can't ever truly gauge the impact that she has had on the entertainment community and the African American community as a whole but she was a definite beacon of strength and encouragement. From doing sold out concerts to doing domestic work, Ruth Brown maintained who she was.
A testament to a time when onedid what needed to be done to take care of yourself and your responsibilities. Nothing could dim her light. Nothing could dim her soul.
And nothing will ever dim her music. This is the house that Ruth built."
A spokesperson for Brown's estate did confirm that a memorial service will be held on Nov.
28 at The Willet Hall in Portsmouth, Virginia, and also revealed that a public memorial concert is being planned for Jan. 22 at New York City's Town Hall.
News RSS