R+B = Ruth Brown

The big jam session up in rock 'n' roll heaven is truly slamming today as the mortal rock community mourns the death of R&B pioneer, Ruth Brown. Nicknamed "Miss Rhythm," Brown had a string of hits in the early fifties, including one of my all-time favorite songs, "Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean." She was so successful that many music historians call her label, Atlantic Records, "The House That Ruth Built." If you're not familiar with Brown's work, check out Rhino Records' 5 song EP titled, "Rhino Records Hi-Five: Ruth Brown" on the iTunes Music Store. (it's only $3.96!) And definitely give a listen to Brown's live version of "Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean" on the R&B compilation, Night Train to Nashville. It's a total rave-up. Rest in peace Ruth Brown, and I hope that nobody's treating you or your daughters mean anymore....for your mama's sake.