In Memoriam:
Ruth "Queen Mother of the Blues" Brown
At rest November 17, 2006

Just as Miss Brown had a hard time believing Bobby Darin had died, it's hard to believe she has now left us too. I had the great pleasure of talking with her in 2003 by telephone, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Bobby Darin's passing. She was too wonderful for words. She was delighted to talk about Bobby, and I think she was as happy to be asked as I was to have her answer.

She felt a great debt to Bobby; he was the one who told her to go after her royalties at a time when that was uncommon. He also helped her choose music to perform on her albums, and introduced her to Richard Wess. But the relationship was a two way street. Miss Brown also helped introduce Bobby to the rhythm and blues performers he so greatly admired and emulated. They kidded around between shows, and had great affection for each other. Miss Brown had nothing but great things to say about Bobby.

At the time I spoke to her, she was still recovering from the stroke she had in 2000. She told me she sat in a chair for performances onstage now. She was sweet, easy to talk to, and a tremendously generous person. Every person who was fortunate enough to come in contact with this amazingly giving, sweet and energetic person can count themselves as very blessed. "This Little Girl's Gone Rockin'," was the song Bobby wrote for Miss Brown. The heavens must have opened wide to receive this magnificent, glorious, talented woman. It's a wonder Earth could hold her this long.

Peace, Miss Brown. You've left this a sorrier world for lack of you.

— C.H.

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