Ruby Glover facts for kids
Ruby Glover (born December 6, 1929 – died October 20, 2007) was a talented jazz singer. She was known as the "Godmother of Jazz" in Baltimore, a special title given to her in 1993 by the city's mayor, Kurt Schmoke. Ruby Glover taught at Sojourner–Douglass College and helped many young students in her community. People often said she was "one of the greatest champions of jazz Baltimore has ever known." She performed with many famous musicians, including Art Blakey, Sonny Stitt, Keter Betts, Andy Ennis, Charles Covington, Carlos Johnson, Whit Williams, Dennis Chambers, and Mickey Fields.
Her Amazing Life
Ruby Glover grew up in East Baltimore. She got her musical talent from her mother, Inez Edwards Bell, who was also a performer in the 1920s and 1930s. Ruby started singing at family funerals when she was just six years old.
Early Musical Journey
Her singing career truly began when she attended Dunbar High School in the 1940s. She sang with a group called a sextet. Ruby also started singing at dances and talent shows. She quickly became a popular singer in the jazz clubs along Pennsylvania Avenue in her hometown.
Teaching and Inspiring Others
Later, Ruby Glover took a break from music to raise her five children. She returned to the jazz scene in the 1960s. Throughout her life, she always remembered Baltimore and believed in giving back to her community. She taught jazz history at Sojourner–Douglass College. She also taught voice lessons at Towson University. To help young artists, she even started the Billie Holiday Vocal Competition.
A Lasting Legacy
Ruby Glover passed away on October 20, 2007, at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. She was 77 years old. She had been performing on stage the day before. Her passion for jazz and her dedication to teaching left a lasting mark on many people.
