Ruth Brown Movies, TV Shows, and Filmography
Ruth Brown
Acting
Biography
Ruth Brown (January 12, 1928 – November 17, 2006) was an American rhythm and blues singer and actress, widely regarded as one of the key figures in popularizing R&B music in the 1950s. Known as “Miss Rhythm,” she recorded a series of major hits for Atlantic Records, including “So Long,” “Teardrops from My Eyes,” and “(Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean,” helping establish the label’s early success. Born Ruth Alston Weston in Portsmouth, Virginia, she attended I. C. Norcom High School. Her father directed a church choir, but Brown was drawn to secular music, performing in clubs and USO shows. Influenced by singers such as Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, and Dinah Washington, she left home in 1945 with musician Jimmy Brown, whom she later married, to pursue a singing career. After early setbacks, including being stranded in Washington, D.C., she was helped by bandleader Blanche Calloway, who secured her a nightclub engagement and became her manager. A recommendation from radio host Willis Conover brought her to the attention of Atlantic Records founders Ahmet Ertegün and Herb Abramson. Following recovery from a serious car accident, she signed with the label and scored her first hit in 1949 with “So Long.” Her 1950 recording “Teardrops from My Eyes” became a major success, spending eleven weeks at number one on the R&B charts and establishing her as a leading artist in the genre. Throughout the early 1950s she released a string of hits, including “5-10-15 Hours,” “(Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean,” “Mambo Baby,” and “Oh What a Dream.” Between 1949 and 1955 she spent 149 weeks on the R&B charts, achieving sixteen top-ten hits, five of which reached number one, earning Atlantic Records the nickname “The House that Ruth Built.” Brown’s career slowed in the 1960s as she stepped away from music, but she returned in the mid-1970s at the encouragement of comedian Redd Foxx. She then expanded into acting, appearing in television and film, including the movie “Hairspray,” and on Broadway in productions such as “Amen Corner” and “Black and Blue.” Her performance in the latter earned her a Tony Award, and she also won a Grammy Award for the album “Blues on Broadway.” In 1987, Brown played a key role in advocating for musicians’ rights, helping to found the Rhythm and Blues Foundation. She was honored as a Pioneer Award recipient in 1989 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. Her 1995 autobiography, “Miss Rhythm,” received the Gleason Award for music journalism. Ruth Brown died in a Las Vegas–area hospital, following complications from a heart attack and stroke she suffered after surgery in the previous month. She remains an influential figure in the history of rhythm and blues music.
Filmography Movies
Acting
Blues Alive
Willie Dixon tells tales of the blues, spiced by stories from Ruth Brown, Albert Collins and Buddy Guy. Blues from all, as well as Booker T. Laury, Otis Rush, Albert Collins.
B.B. King: Blues Summit
Inspired by the 1993 Grammy-winning album, this historic meeting of superpowers stars the King of the Blues performing duets with a pantheon of fellow legends: Ruth Brown, Albert Collins, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, Irma Thomas and Joe Louis Walker. Interspersed with exclusive interviews, it's an inspired and unprecedented gathering of blues greats that may never be equaled. The performances include B.B.'s signature song, "The Thrill Is Gone," and "Playin' With My Friends," which was penned by Robert Cray just for The Blues Summit. Best of all, with this home video, you sit right on stage where you don't miss a beat.
Black and Blue: A Musical Revue
The famous rhythm and blues revue featuring such standards as the title song, "After You've Gone" and "In a Sentimental Mood," to name just a few, and sung by R&B legends Ruth Brown, Linda Hopkins and Carrie Smith.
Under the Rainbow
In World War II era Los Angeles, the manager of the Culver Hotel leaves his nephew in charge for a weekend. The nephew changes the name to the Hotel Rainbow and overbooks with royalty, assassins, secret agents, Japanese tourists, and munchkins. Secret Service agent Bruce Thorpe and casting director Annie Clark find romance amidst the intrigue and confusion.
True Identity
In order to escape from the mob, an African-American man must disguise himself as a white man.
Shake, Rattle and Rock!
In 1950s America, teenage rebellion comes easy when something like rock 'n' roll is viewed as sinful. Looking to have a good time while they're young, small-town teens Susan, Cookie and Tony start a nightclub where host Danny Klay introduces the newest rock 'n' roll talent, and everyone can dance the night away. Of course, not everyone in town is happy with the new establishment.
Rhythm and Blues Revue
Rhythm and Blues Revue is a plotless variety show, one of several compiled for theatrical exhibition from the made-for-television short films produced by Snader and Studio Telescriptions, with newly-filmed host segments by Willie Bryant. Originally 86 minutes, the "short" version available on public domain collections and websites is missing a reel
That Rhythm, Those Blues
A documentary covering the R&B (rhythm and blues) field from the 1940s to the early 1950s. Included is footage of performances by major R&B singers of the time, and interviews with singers, producers and others involved in the field.
Bonnie Raitt: Road Tested
Broadway's Lost Treasures III: The Best of The Tony Awards
Broadway royalty and Tony-winners Tommy Tune, Carol Channing, Robert Goulet, and Harvey Fierstein are your hosts for this third compilation of great musical performances from the archives of the Tony Award® broadcasts. Legendary stars from legendary shows strut their stuff in 23 performances that have become part of Broadway history.
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