Ruby Elzy
#126284 Most Popular
About
Opera soprano who headlined acts at the Apollo theater, entertained the first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, and originated the role of Serena in Porgy and Bess.
Before Fame
Her first public performances happened when she was four, singing at a local church.
Trivia
Not limited to just stage performances, she starred on-screen along with Bing Crosby in Birth of the Blues and with Paul Robeson in the film The Emperor Jones.
Family Life
She was born in Pontotoc, Mississippi and raised by her mother and grandmother after her father abandoned the family.
Associated With
George Gershwin himself invited her to sing the role of Serena in his Broadway masterpiece.
