Ruth Brown RIP

Ruth Brown, one of the true pioneers of soul music, has died in Las Vegas from complications following a recent stroke.

Whether she was the "The Girl with a Tear in her Voice," "The Original Queen of Rhythm & Blues," "Miss Rhythm & Blues," or "Miss Rhythm," the lady was the first star made by Atlantic Records. Her regal hit-making reign from 1949 to the close of the '50s helped tremendously to establish the New York label's predominance in the R&B field, a track record for which the young label was referred to as "The House That Ruth Built."

All other female singers owe their fortunes to the path that Ruth laid out for them.

See her singing her singing and talking about her Atlantic song "Mama Treat Your Daughter Mean" on Youtube.