MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Just hours after her death, friends and fans of Ms. Ruby Wilson, the Queen of Beale Street, have expressed their sadness at the loss of a Memphis icon.
In front of a room filled with those who loved her and her music, Rallin Riggs, Ms. Ruby’s manager, read a prepared statement from the family that said today was one of joy for their loved one.
“Our sister, our mother, our friend, Ms. Ruby Wilson, looked forward to this day all her life,” they said. “Because today she is singing in a heavenly choir with her precious Lord.”
Ruby suffered heart failure Saturday evening while at home, the family announced.
Doctors were able to restart her heart, but she never regained consciousness.
She passed away peacefully on Friday around 1 p.m.
Born in Dallas, Texas and eventually moving to Memphis, blues fans packed the club to hear her amazing voice.
She had a lot of sass and grace as she performed with the club’s house band and sometimes withe King of Blues himself- the late B.B. King.
“Other than our namesake, B.B. King, I don’t think there is anyone more instrumental in the redevelopment of Beale Street than Ruby Wilson. When she started with us 25 years ago, she was the difference maker. Ruby Wilson is a force of nature.”
Her sound earned her the adoration of music lovers and her peers.
She was awarded the WC Handy Lifetime Achievement Award and countless others.
“A consummate professional,” said Tommy Peters with the Bar-Kays. “She was known for being the Queen of Beale Street. You’re talking about a lady who could sing anything, Jazz R&B,Gospel, whatever. Whatever she did she just brought the house down, a consummate professional. She will definitely be missed by all.”
She was no doubt music royalty.
She boasted a discography of more than ten albums and her musical reach could be felt on almost every continent.
“Memphis has lost a great entertainer. Ruby Wilson will always be remembered as the ‘Queen of Beale Street. ’ She did much to promote the Memphis music industry and was a dear friend of mine and so many in our community. We at Shelby County Government mourn her passing and are keeping her family in our prayers,” said Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell.
Congressman Steve Cohen also released a statement saying, “I am saddened by the death of my friend Ruby Wilson. Ruby was a sweetheart of a human being. She was always smiling, upbeat and caring for others in addition to being a fabulous talent who sang of, for and about Memphis. She had a phenomenal life. Ruby brought joy to people’s hearts all over the world and was a legend in her hometown. She was truly the queen of the Blues, Beale Street and Memphis.”
Funeral announcements will be made available at a later date.
