Virginia native Ruth Brown came to DC in 1945 as something of a runaway teen bride. Within a few years she had a gig at Crystal Caverns (later Bohemian Caverns)--plugged into the nationwide royal court of jazz and R&B--where her rare range, power, and magnetism at the mic soon earned her a major label recording contract. By 1950 Brown had begun a string of #1 hits and was herself American royalty, Miss Rhythm, the Queen of R&B.
Brown retreated from stardom for 10 years to focus on family, but in 1975 launched a brilliant second act as a singer, recording artist, artists' rights activist and actor--even winning a Tony Award to add to her Grammy.
Brown retreated from stardom for 10 years to focus on family, but in 1975 launched a brilliant second act as a singer, recording artist, artists' rights activist and actor--even winning a Tony Award to add to her Grammy.
