Biography of Ruth Brown

Jazz/R&B vocalist Ruth Brown was one of the early hitmakers for Atlantic, netting a slew of Black chart hits in the early '50s: "Teardrops from My Eyes," "5-10-15 Hours," and "Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean." She has recorded prolifically over the years and enjoyed a comeback in the late '80s thanks to a successful Broadway show. Ruth Brown is enjoying newfound visibility these days. She's finally been elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and also to the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame. She's currently the host of National Public Radio's weekly "Bluesstage" program, heard nationwide. Her most recent recording was Fine And Mellow in 1991, and the excellent Fine Brown Frame, with such backing musicians as Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Eddie Daniels, and Sir Roland Hanna, was reissued by Blue Note in 1993. Brown escaped serious injury during the Los Angeles earthquake in 1994, but her home was among many destroyed. ~ John Floyd