Ruth Brown used her power to push for musicians’ rights regarding royalties and contracts after a resurgence that started in the middle of the 1970s and culminated in the 1980s; these efforts resulted in the establishment of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.
Brown won a Tony Award for her work in the Broadway production of Black and Blue, and the original cast album took home a Grammy. In 2016, Brown received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Brown was admitted to the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2017. She is also the famed hip-hop artist Rakim’s aunt.
Was Ruth Brown married?
Yes, she was married, however, had a divorce before she died. Ruth Brown’s second husband was Earl Swanson, another musician; nevertheless, their union lasted only a few whiles.
Bill Blunt, a policeman, was her husband when they were married in 1963, but they divorced two years later.
Ronnie McPhatter was born to Brown in 1954 as a result of her marriage to Clyde McPhatter.
The Rhythm and Blues Foundation was set up in 1987 as a result of Brown’s advocacy for musicians’ rights and the payment of royalties.
