Ruth Brown

About

Remembered for her R&B hits "Teardrops from My Eyes," "Mambo Baby," "Lucky Lips," "Oh What a Dream," and "(Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean," she is also notable for her Tony-winning performance in the Broadway show Black and Blue, as well as for her contributions to the musical's Grammy-winning cast recording.

Before Fame

Early in her career, she performed with both Lucky Millinder and Duke Ellington.

Trivia

Her musicians' royalties and rights advocacy resulted in the creation of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.

Family Life

She and her six younger siblings grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia. She was married three times -- to Jimmy Brown (whom she later discovered was already married), Earl Swanson, and Bill Blunt -- and she raised two sons.

Associated With

Her first manager was bandleader Blanche Calloway (the sister of jazz singer Cab Calloway).

Video

Ruth Brown Highlights