Miss Rhythm: The Autobiography of Ruth Brown, Rhythm and Blues Legend

Miss Rhythm is one of the most delightful autobiographies I've read in some time, mainly because 50's R & B diva Ruth Brown never loses her wonderful sense of humor, through good times and bad. Only a truly funny lady could witness a gruesome murder (and decapitation, p. 15) and not lose her lunch in the process. She knew the heights of show business success (several #1 R and B hits), as well as the depths (she had to work as a domestic and teacher's aide AFTER her initial success just to keep food on the table for herself and her kids) and still she comes up smiling in the end. Her battles with Atlantic record company guru Ahmet Ertegun and his minions are noted in great detail: it seems that recording artists way back when received virtually no royalties on sales of their music, and since they were charged for session expenses, often ended up in permanent debt to their labels! This is why the most stirring portion of the book is the last 100 pages or so, which deals with her miraculous comeback on Broadway and in the movies (Hairspray), as well as her founding of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, a wonderful organization dedicated to recovering back royalties for the many rhythm and blues artist from the 50's and 60's who were paid a mere pittance for their service and who often didn't even have health insurance!! Through it all, the bad marriages and fabulous children, through earthquakes, car accidents, knee problems and poverty, through a final, moving reconciliation with her estranged family, the character of Miss Ruth Brown shines like an inspirational beacon. Get this marvelous book today, and let Miss Rhythm's wonderful strength and spirit serve as a shining example for many years to come.

Ruth Brown is Amazing not only as a Artist but also as a Human Being in a time that not long ago that Hated her for HerColor & She fought for a better Tommorow for Future Generations of Artists coming.She overcame so much & Gave Back so Much not only as a Artist but also as a Person.Important Artists like Her should always be Remembered for Paving the way for so many.She is a Great Vocalist that could ring Circles around Many out today.Her Book & Etta James's are Must.Sister's that overcame so much but Maintain there Inner & Outer Soul.

This is a terrific book that tells the story of a truly amazing woman and in the process, tells the story of hundreds of rhythym and blues performers and groups and the lives they led, in the early days of this important american music. The reader learns how Ms. Brown overcame unbelievable obstacles, both personal and business, and came out on top-in the process, initiating the creation of a great organization called The Rhythm and Blues Foundation, which is based in Washington DC, and exists for the purpose of helping to preserve the music and which provides cash awards and support for R & B pioneers.

Ruth Brown has seen it all--from staying in sleazy segregated hotels on tour in Jim Crow America in the 40s and 50s to the top of the R & B charts in the 50s to later hearing her songs on the radio when she was broke and ignored by the record companies she helped build. This lady was the "diva" of R & B and still performs today to packed audiences. We're lucky to have this historical record of her life, for it is a reflection of what many black performers of her day had to go through before achieving the heights of musical stardom, and what they had to go through even after achieving the heights. A great lady and a great performer!

Miss Rhythm is one of the most well-written books I've ever read, in a any genre. Besides that, it tells about the life of someone who's had enough life-experience, and up and downs, for five people, and who has overcome incredible adversity in the proccess. Ruth Brown is not only a great artist but is truly an inspiration and an example for people from all backgrounds and all walks of life.