Columnist Joe Delaney: Ruth Brown hotter than ever at 70

Joe Delaney

Thursday, March 13, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

"MISS RHYTHM, The Autobiography of Ruth Brown, Rhythm & Blues Legend" is the story of a lady who helped launch rock 'n' roll and a major record company, Atlantic Records. ... The book rights have been acquired by cable's Showtime network, which plans a made-for-TV film. ... Now 70, Brown is very active, she has just won a 30-year court battle.

Atlantic Records, back in the 1950s, was known as "The House That Ruth (Brown) Built." ... In 1988, as part of the label's 40th anniversary celebration, it announced lump-sum payments of retroactive royalties. ... This month, Atlantic doubled the royalty rate, again retroactively.

Artists benefitting from Ruth Brown's persistence include Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Vanilla Fudge, Led Zeppelin and the estates of Lavern Baker and Bobby Darin. ... The recording industry has become a $13 billion a year colossus.

There's more

In addition, Atlantic Records has contributed $1.5 million as seed money to the Washington-based Rhythm & Blues Foundation. ... Brown is a full trustee, a devoted activist on behalf of artists' rights. ... Her talent influenced such artists as Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Raitt, Little Richard and Stevie Wonder, among many others.

Bonnie Raitt says, "In looking over the life and career of Ruth Brown, we get a one-shot history lesson on how exhilarating and frustrating it was to be one of the first R&B stars back in those exciting days of rock 'n' roll's infancy.

"Her life, her incredible voice, shows all the sass and ache, humor and perseverance that made her the survivor she is today -- a pre-eminent role model to all of us women who have followed in her footsteps."

In conclusion

Stevie Wonder is even more emphatic.

Wonder writes, "This is the lady, take my word for it, who started it all. Wasn't for Ruth Brown, there wouldn't be no Aretha, wouldn't be nobody. I'm here to tell you this lady is a true legend." ... Rock 'n' roll catalyst Little Richard: "I idolize Ruth Brown. I wanted to be Ruth Brown." ... We were there as well when it was happening in the 1950s.

Some of you may know Ruth Brown as "Motormouth Maybelle" in the cult film, "Hairspray," others from her Tony Award winning performance in "Black and Blue" on Broadway. ... She was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In 1974, Ruth Brown was an integral part of our "Tribute to Duke Ellington" in UNLV's Artemus Ham Hall, singing the Mahalia Jackson role in Duke's classic "Black, Brown and Beige." ... It's nice to know this talented lady is still hot, 23 years later.

Lena Horne at 80

On March 17, St. Patrick's Day, in New York City's Lincoln Center, there will be a special program starting the observance of Lena Horne's 80th birthday, June 30. ... On a very sad note, Lavern Baker, an Atlantic Records contemporary of Ruth Brown, died last Sunday at her home in New York City, another legend gone.

Star policy: It's John McEnroe, with Johnny Smyth, tonight only (Arizona Charlie's); Louie Anderson (Bally's); Chicago (Caesars); the Temptations (Desert Inn); Righteous Brothers (MGM Grand); Siegfried & Roy (Mirage); Lance Burton (Monte Carlo); Danny Gans (Rio); and Bobby Collins (Sahara) -- an eclectic selection.

Brendan Boyer & the Irish Show Band (Orleans Hotel) open this evening, afternoons through Monday. ... They will also be Monday's St. Patrick's Day Parade and at the Maxim's Block Party.

Thursday addenda

Eugene O'Neill's "Ah Wilderness," his only comedy, opens tonight, UNLV's Judy Bayley Theatre. ... Actors Repertory Theatre's "My Fair Lady," second weekend (Summerlin Library Theatre). ... Lounge best bet: The Treniers (Aladdin). ... Other afternoon specials: Nick Lewin's comedy Magic (Maxim), "Bottoms Up" (Riviera) and "Viva Las Vegas" (Stratosphere).

Broadcast legend Jack Kogan has moved his popular radio show to KLAV 1230-AM. 5-6 p.m. on Tuesdays, live from the Debbie Reynolds Hotel. ... The public is invited to attend. ... See you Friday.