RUTH BROWN: January 30, 1928 – November 17, 2006

R&B pioneer Ruth Brown (Miss Rhythm) died November 17th at age 78.

That she was a sassy, spirited singer goes without saying.

She also helped create the Rhythm & Blues Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the historical and cultural preservation of R&B, and providing financial and medical assistance to former R&B and Motown musicians.

Here’s Ruth Brown singing (Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean…