Fan Fare, What's New, Pussycat?
Here’s where you’ll find TJ photos and stories that don’t fit into any other categories. It is, as its name says, just for fans — and, hopefully, for fun.
Ruth Brown: An Icon Is Gone
Friday, November 17th, 2006
We are so sorry to tell you that Ruth Brown, Grammy winner, Tony winner and, as she was always introduced, “proud member of the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame,” died today.
She was an extraordinary person whose life was, to mere mortals like us, just amazing. She knew everyone — Billie Holliday, Elvis, BB, Springsteen. She performed for presidents and royalty. She never sang at home, she said, but she loved to sing…..and, oh! could she ever sing!
She started as one of the first artists signed to the then-fledgling Atlantic Records in the early 50s. Hit followed hit until Atlantic became known as “The House That Ruth Built.” She didn’t get royalties as in those days many musicians — especially black musicians — didn’t.
But, years later, broke and cleaning houses on Long Island, she decided to do something about that. Her efforts resulted in her getting a relatively small settlement but, most important, her suit led to the creation of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, a not for profit that, it tells us on its website, “provides financial support, medical assistance and educational outreach through various grants and programs to support R&B and Motown artists of the 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s.”
Ruth continued to perform and, when she was hospitalized a few weeks ago, was planning on doing a number with her dear friend Bonnie Raitt when Bonnie opened for the Stones at the MGM last week and was also signed to go to Alabama to be in a film with Danny Glover, Keb Mo’ and Mary Steenburgen.
You may ask why we are writing about Ruth Brown here. The fact that she was a beloved friend of Ellen’s and that Ursula, too, knew her, is of course important. But, for this site, what’s most important is how she felt about Tom Jones.
Ellen took Ruth to see Tom in 2004. At that point she was kind of down and performing (although she did so) had become less fun for her. But after seeing Tom (who introduced her from the stage that night as “The Original Diva” and backstage later he and Don — along with most of the band and backup singer Tony Reynolds — showed they were clearly, definitely fans. After that, she was inspired and ready once again to work. And work she did. Ruth played all over the country, lauded with the kind of recognition she deserved.
The last time she appeared in Las Vegas (August), she told a friend whom Ellen had brought to the show, “I love Tom Jones. He sings everything, but he keeps the old songs alive. He’s my boy.”
Ursula wants you to know especially that, to the end, Ruth’s voice and the joy she felt in music never dimmed. She was wonderful.
If you like the blues and have a moment, go to Amazon.com and listen to some of Ruth Brown’s music
In a statement, Raitt said, “Ruth was one of the most important and beloved figures in modern music. You can hear her influence in everyone from Little Richard to Etta (James), Aretha (Franklin), Janis (Joplin) and divas like Christina Aguilera today.
”She was my dear friend, and I will miss her terribly,” Raitt concluded.
Meanwhile, check out Ruth singing and talking about her biggest hit, Mama He Treats Your Baby Mean. Her story of her reluctance to record it is vewry similar to Tom’s story about when he was asked to record Pussycat. And in her voice you’ll hear a prime example of what Raitt meant. Listen and you’ll know why Little Richard has said, “When I grew up I wanted to be Ruth Brown. Now I am.”
So, we say goodbye to Ruth. “May flights of angels sing you to your rest.”
The photo on the left is ©Ruth Barohn, November 2005. It is used by permission. The photo on the right of Don, Ruth and Tom was taken March 14, 2006, backstage at the Hollywood Theater.
November 18th, 2006 at 2:50 am
Thanks for the latest info. and pertinant updates. So very sorry to see that Ruth brown has passed. She will be missed by all who loved her music.
November 18th, 2006 at 8:13 am
Sorry to hear about the passing of music Legend Ms.Ruth Brown. I love her music and have seen her perform at the BootLegger here in Vegas. (what style and class!)
When watching a performer who loves what they do you can FEEL every beat and every word. They touch you deep inside. THAT’S a SPECIAL GIFT!!! Ms. Brown your music lives on.
November 18th, 2006 at 9:04 am
So sorry to hear about Ruth, she seemed like a very sweet lady. She will be missed by many.
November 18th, 2006 at 10:11 am
We will truly miss Ruth. Thanks for sharing your gift of music. My condolences
November 18th, 2006 at 10:38 am
Thoughts and prayers to all who knew and loved Ruth Brown.
November 18th, 2006 at 11:50 am
I was privileged to see Ruth Brown at the Bootlegger in Las Vegas in August of this year. Her voice absolutely knocked me out. When she sang If I Can’t Sell It, I’ll Keep Sittin’ On It, it nearly called for a box of Depends. Love Letters brought me to tears. She WAS amazing. Not only that, Ellen introduced me to Ruth and when she took both of my hands and looked at me with the most beautiful eyes and smile, I knew that I had just met someone truly magical. Later that night, I told Ellen that I would love to sit down with Ruth and hear all the stories of her musical and personal life….and sadly that will never happen. However, the short time I spent with her is time I will cherish forever, and I feel that my world just grew smaller with her passing. God Bless You, Ruth Brown.
November 18th, 2006 at 2:43 pm
Ellen, I am sorry to hear of Ruth Brown’s passing. I was hoping to meet this exceptional woman and perhaps even hear her perform. I’m sorry that won’t happen now. My thoughts and prayers are with you, the family and fans of this wonderful woman.
November 18th, 2006 at 5:44 pm
How wonderful that you were able to call this lovely lady your friend & that she was able to begin performing again. Someday I would love to hear how you both came to know these amazing performers. I will say a little prayer for your dear friend.
November 18th, 2006 at 10:15 pm
I am so saddened to hear of the death of such a great lady and talent. Deepest sympathy.
November 20th, 2006 at 9:31 am
God bless Ruth and keep her safe in heaven so all the angels can hear her sing.
November 20th, 2006 at 11:31 am
Sandy: I met Ruth when I was planning to visit Las Vegas and decided to see if I could write an article for a local publication. A friend who is a major blues and jazz devotee introduced me to Ruth. You see, this friend made fun of me because I was going to see Tom in Vegas. To prove Tom could do “her” music, the next day I brought the Red, White and Blues CD to her house. We listened and chatted while we listened. “Well,” my friend said after awhile, “this is great, but what does it have to do with Jones?” When I told her she’d been listening to Tom on the CD she immediately said, “He does this? And you listen?” When I nodded, she said, “Well, you have to meet my friend Ruth Brown in Las Vegas.” So I met Ruth, wrote a profile of her for a magazine, coincidentally discovered she was a TJ fan. We became friends. When I moved to Las Vegas our friendship strengthened. What a wonderful person she was.
Thanks for asking and thank you all who have commented (and, maybe, will yet) on this thread..
—Ellen
November 21st, 2006 at 9:15 am
Ellen, thanks for answering. I love all types of music except some of the more recent “stuff” that really gets on my nerves. One of the reasons I love Tom is that he can do it all. What puzzles me are the looks I sometimes get when I say I’m a huge Tom Jones fan. It’s as if I’m from another world. I encourage everyone I know to go see Tom Jones in concert at least once in their life, especially the women, and so far none have been disappointed. Just wish I could see him more. Happy Thanksgiving to all, Sandy