Ruth Brown (b. January 30, 1928) was one of the finest R&B singers of the last century. Her recording debut was "So Long," which she recorded in 1949. Her torchy delivery helped push the song to No. 6 on the Billboard R&B chart. Brown went on to record over two dozen hit records. Her success helped establish Atlantic Records; "So Long" was the fledgling label's second hit record. Ruth Brown won a Tony award for her role in the Broadway revue Black and Blue. She appeared in the popular film Hairspray and has hosted several shows for National Public Radio. Brown is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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